Furaha City Fest, the highly anticipated music event featuring top African artists, turned into a dramatic spectacle when Kenyan singer Willy Paul alleged mistreatment and disrespect at the festival.

The event, which was supposed to include performances from Mejja, Khaligraph Jones, Zuchu, Rayvanny, and Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, faced organizational challenges that left fans and performers disgruntled.

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Willy Paul's Outcry

Willy Paul took to Instagram during the event to voice his frustration, claiming that Tanzanian artists were given undue priority over Kenyan performers.

"Tanzanian artistes are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Why are Kenyans being disrespected in front of Bongo musicians?" he wrote.

In another post, he claimed, "I'm being mistreated at the event. Wanaweka Tanzanians waperform. Wanachange vitu last minute. Why are Kenyans allowing this?"

The musician has complained about how Kenyan artists are treated

Diamond Platnumz Fails to Perform

Amid the chaos, Diamond Platnumz did not perform as scheduled. A video circulating online shows the crowd chanting Willy Paul's name, effectively halting Diamond’s attempt to take the stage.

The disagreement reportedly stemmed from changes in the performance order. Diamond, who was expected to close the show, reportedly wanted to perform earlier.

Fans at the event expressed their support for Willy Paul. According to @itsKoech_, "Furaha fest fans chose our very own Pozze over Diamond. I never thought this day itafika."

The two artists together nearly a decade ago

Social Media Reactions

Twitter was abuzz with reactions to the drama:

  • @DouglasLekupuny praised Willy Paul, saying, "Meanwhile, Willy Paul singlehandedly fought for the Kenyan music industry last night at Furaha City Fest."
  • @wahome_wanji noted, "Mondi has refused to perform at Furaha fest ati coz Pozee performed before him. Ameambiwa huku sio Dar."
  • Some users criticized the event organizers, with @ShankiAustine observing, "Personally, I feel the problem was the event organizer and not Diamond Platnumz."

Fans Take a Stand

Audience members reportedly supported Willy Paul’s right to perform first, with some threatening to leave if he didn’t.

One attendee shared, "We came here because of Diamond, but if they don’t let Willy Paul perform first, we’d rather leave."

The controversy deepened as critics pointed out broader issues of favouritism and poor organization. @KobbzVasion summed it up by alleging: "Kumbe Furaha Fest imekuwa drama tupu. They double-booked the venue, denied Etana the chance to perform, and prioritized Diamond, only for him not to show up."

Watch a rundown of the chaos at the event in the video below: