The public fallout between Kenyan musicians Otile Brown and Jovial has taken another dramatic turn after Otile Brown issued a strongly worded response to comments the singer made during her recent interview on the Alex Mwakideu TV Podcast.
The exchange has dominated conversations on social media, with fans closely following the back-and-forth between the two artistes, whose successful collaborations once produced some of Kenya's biggest love songs.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Otile Brown accused Jovial of being stubborn, emotional and unwilling to take advice, claiming those traits had slowed her career progression.
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"Ukweli ni kwamba wewe ni jeuri, mbishi na huna busara kabisa. Unatumia hisia kufanya maamuzi. Husikii, na ndiyo maana umeshindwa kuendelea."
He added that he had often watched Jovial's career decisions with disappointment.
"Wakati mwingine nakuangalia kisha nakuhurumia jinsi career yako umeichezea kwa kujiaminisha ujinga. Wewe unafaa kuwa mbali ila unajichukulia ndogo."
'An artist should own a car or land'
Among the statements that attracted the most attention was Otile Brown's claim that a successful musician should have invested in assets.
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"Wewe si msanii wa kuwa hauna ata gari wala shamba, wakati mimi bodyguard wangu anayo shamba hadi gari."
otilebrown // Instagram
He went on to suggest that he had always been willing to help those around him, but felt Jovial preferred to do things on her own.
"Mimi napenda kushare, ila wewe unataka kuonyesha kwamba peke yako unaweza, na ndiyo shida inayokuchelewesha."
Otile also claimed he had previously advised producer Mario to include a female voice on one of his songs because he believed it would perform better commercially.
According to him, he has since changed his approach to collaborations.
"Leo hii mimi sipendi ufanye collabo na watu."
He further questioned Jovial's songwriting credentials.
"Wewe ambaye hujawahi andika ata mstari mmoja kwa nyimbo zote zinakufanya upate riziki kupitia show."
Jovial responds
Jovial did not take long to respond.
In a post shared on her Instagram Stories, the singer dismissed Otile Brown's comments while urging him to remain humble.
"I'm not perfect but damn! Ningekuwa mbali, wewe uko wapi?"
She also appeared to challenge the singer's remarks about wealth.
"Because all of us are living in rentals."
jovial_ke // Instagram
Rather than focusing on material possessions, Jovial said she values good health and the ability to meet her daily needs.
"Please be humble! Kuna watu utajiri wetu ni afya nzuri na kuweza kujikimu ki mahitaji."
She ended her response on a lighter note, revealing that land agents had already begun contacting her following Otile's remarks.
"Kwanza asante maana watu wa viwanja washaanza kunidm! See how God works in mysterious ways! God bless you!"
Alex Mwakideu invites Otile Brown
The dispute has since moved beyond Instagram, with broadcaster Alex Mwakideu announcing that he intends to invite Otile Brown onto his podcast to give his side of the story.
Mwakideu recently hosted Jovial, where she discussed royalty disputes, collaboration challenges and why she no longer wishes to work with Otile Brown.
His decision to invite Otile has generated mixed reactions, with many calling for both artistes to address the matter face-to-face.
Fans weigh in
The prospect of another interview quickly sparked debate online.
User @d.k_som commented:
"@alex_mwakideu hii haina dawa... Walichanganya kazi na mapenzi... ndiyo matokeo yake hayo huwa."
Another follower, @annexismuria, suggested that both singers should appear together.
"Mmoja mmoja kila mtu na story yake. Wakuje wote wawili kila mtu na receipts zake."
Humour also featured prominently in the discussion.
@mykesonko joked:
"Kidogo mtafanya AMTV ikue Patanisho."
Meanwhile, @tabitha_onjiru wrote:
"They're in love in denial."
Others questioned whether another interview would resolve the dispute.
"@alex_mwakideu I don't want to hear his side of the story... everybody can't give a real side of the story just because they're your good friend," wrote @evelyne_wambizy.
