In a recent turn of events that has captured the attention of Kenyan and Tanzanian music fans alike, Kenyan artist Willy Paul has come forward to defend Willis Raburu, a prominent media personality and one of the organizers of the much-talked-about Furaha City Festival. The festival, intended to be a celebration of East African music, turned chaotic, leaving fans and artists with mixed feelings about the night.
The drama unfolded when Willy Paul, known for his bold stance and no-nonsense attitude, demanded to perform ahead of the scheduled act, Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. According to posts circulating on X, Willy Paul was keen on setting the record straight about the incident, especially concerning Willis Raburu’s role during the event’s organizational chaos.
“I remember Willis Raburu helping me to get my dancers into the venue. Nobody else was there for us but him, there’s a lot of misunderstanding in this whole thing,” Willy Paul stated, highlighting the support he received from Raburu amidst the confusion. This statement came after allegations of mistreatment and organizational mishaps at the festival, where Willy Paul claimed Kenyan artists were sidelined.
The crux of the drama was Willy Paul’s insistence on performing before Diamond Platnumz. The crowd, resonating with Willy Paul’s sentiment of local talent being overlooked, began chanting for him to perform first. This unexpected show of support from the audience created a significant shift in the event’s schedule, leading to Diamond Platnumz reportedly refusing to perform. The situation was exacerbated by security issues and last-minute changes, which Willy Paul later attributed to the event organizers trying to cut him out.
Diamond’s absence from the stage was a significant blow to the festival’s lineup, given his star power and the anticipation surrounding his performance. However, Willy Paul’s passionate performance, backed by his dancers, became one of the night’s highlights, showcasing his commitment to his craft and his fans.
Willis Raburu, addressing the controversy, emphasized the festival’s aim to celebrate all artists equally and acknowledged the logistical challenges faced. He clarified that while they made every effort to accommodate Diamond and his team, the behavior and demands from Diamond’s side were overbearing, leading to the unfortunate outcome.
The incident at Furaha City Festival has sparked a broader conversation about artist treatment, festival organization, and the dynamics between Kenyan and Tanzanian artists in the entertainment industry. Fans and industry insiders have taken to social media to express their views, with some defending Willy Paul’s right to perform and others lamenting the missed opportunity to see Diamond Platnumz on stage.
Willy Paul’s defense of Raburu adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, shedding light on the personal connections and support systems that sometimes go unnoticed behind the scenes of such public spectacles. It’s a reminder of the human elements at play in the music industry, where misunderstandings can lead to significant drama, but loyalty and support can also shine through.
