Kenya's music scene is buzzing, but not with praise. This time, all eyes are on singer Diana Marua, whose comeback single has sparked a fiery debate.
Her new track, "Bibi Ya Tajiri," samples the late legendary artist E-Sir's hit, "Saree." But instead of celebrating her return, fans and fellow artists have slammed the song, kicking off a major online feud.
The Spark: VJ Patelo's Viral Rant
The drama began when VJ Patelo, a popular DJ known for his outspoken views, posted a blistering critique on Instagram. In a viral video, he didn't hold back, accusing Diana of disrespecting E-Sir's legacy.
He also aimed jabs at both Diana and her husband, musician Bahati.
"Wee Diana B wee ni fala wewe...we ni best rapper ujinga, wacha ufala imbia bwana yako kwa choo," Patelo ranted, calling on Kenyan artists to produce quality work to keep "jokers" out of the industry.
Diana's Clapback
Diana wasn't about to take the insults lying down. She quickly fired back on Instagram, dismissing Patelo's comments and his status in the industry. She referenced his "fake jewellery" and doubled down on her self-proclaimed titles.
READ MORE: What Diana B Did in New Song that Irked Kenyan Rappers & Diamond’s Fans
Instagram response: Diana mocked Patelo’s appearance and addressed him directly: “Huyu ni nani amevaa chains mingi mbwakni… Ana addresses Bibi ya Tajiri, the best rapper, a.k.a. Mama Lao.”
Industry Heavyweights Weigh In
The backlash didn't stop with Patelo. Other prominent figures in the music industry also joined the chorus of disapproval.
Khaligraph Jones: The acclaimed rapper and head of Blue Ink shared a satirical video that showed a woman angrily smashing a vinyl record of Diana's new song. The message was clear: her comeback track wasn’t hitting the mark with industry peers.
Parroty Vunulu: The Gengetone star also weighed in, jokingly suggesting that the late E-Sir must be "turning in his grave" after hearing his classic song reimagined.
Is All Publicity Good Publicity?
The storm of criticism could either derail Diana’s return to music or fuel her determination.
Regardless of the negative reviews, "Bibi Ya Tajiri" has achieved one thing every artist wants: attention. The controversy has made the song a hot topic, proving that even bad publicity can create a buzz.
What do you think? Will this backlash hurt Diana's career, or will she use it to her advantage?
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