The Furaha City Festival in Nairobi on December 7, 2024, faced unexpected drama when Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz failed to perform as planned. Initially expected to headline the event alongside top artists like Zuchu, Rayvanny, and Kenyan acts such as Willy Paul and Khaligraph Jones, Diamond’s appearance was disrupted by the crowd chanting Willy Paul’s name instead.
The disruption stemmed from tensions around the festival, where Kenyan artists, including Willy Paul, accused organizers of prioritizing Tanzanian performers. Willy Paul publicly criticized the event for sidelining Kenyan talent, fueling sentiments that resonated with fans. When Diamond appeared on stage, the audience’s chants in favor of Willy Paul prevented him from proceeding
Adding to the complications, Diamond’s management reportedly clashed with organizers over scheduling. Initially slated to close the event, Diamond had requested an earlier performance slot, which was denied. This disagreement likely contributed to the strained atmosphere during his scheduled performance
The incident highlights ongoing frustrations about perceived imbalances in East Africa’s music industry, where regional artists feel underappreciated at events featuring international collaborations. For Willy Paul, the chants marked a significant moment of support amidst his grievances about disrespect toward Kenyan performers. However, the tension between fans, artists, and organizers overshadowed what was meant to be a celebration of East African music
The Furaha City Festival controversy underscores the need for better representation and equitable treatment of local and international artists at shared platforms, particularly in culturally diverse regions like East Africa.
