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Drama unfolds as Diamond Platnumz and Willy Paul clash at Furaha Fest
Despite efforts from other performers to salvage the event, the confrontation between Diamond and Willy Paul became the defining narrative of the night.
What you need to know:
- Tensions escalated when Diamond’s bodyguards reportedly confronted Willy Paul’s team to enforce the scheduling change. Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation turned physical, leaving Willy Paul shaken.
Dar es Salaam. What began as a night of musical celebration at Nairobi’s Furaha Fest turned into a dramatic spectacle of clashes and accusations, overshadowing an event that had promised unforgettable performances from the likes of Mejja, Khaligraph Jones, Zuchu, Rayvanny, and Diamond Platnumz.
The unravelling began when Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, slated to headline the festival, requested an earlier performance slot.
This decision triggered tension with Kenyan artiste Willy Paul, whose performance time would have been disrupted.
“Why should he take my slot? That’s just disrespectful,” Willy Paul reportedly vented backstage.
Tensions escalated when Diamond’s bodyguards reportedly confronted Willy Paul’s team to enforce the scheduling change. Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation turned physical, leaving Willy Paul shaken.
In response, Diamond, who had been waiting in his car, left the venue without performing.
The aftermath saw both artistes airing grievances. Diamond’s camp cited disrespect as the reason for his exit.
"I was not involved in the event’s campaigns, and my image was sidelined," his manager shared, alluding to friction with the organisers.
Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu land in Nairobi in a private jet for Furaha City. PHOTO | COURTESY
On the other hand, a visibly emotional Willy Paul took to social media, accusing the festival of undermining Kenyan talent.
“Why are Kenyans being disrespected in front of Bongo musicians? This is sad,” he lamented.
The audience, many of whom had paid premium ticket prices, expressed disappointment. While some sided with Willy Paul, applauding his stand for local artistes, others believed Diamond’s international stature merited the spotlight.
Despite efforts from other performers to salvage the event, the confrontation between Diamond and Willy Paul became the defining narrative of the night.
This public fallout underscores broader industry tensions between Kenyan and Tanzanian artistes, raising questions about cross-border collaboration and respect in East Africa’s music scene.
For now, fans are left with one lingering question: Can these two stars ever reconcile? Or will their feud become an enduring symbol of the cultural challenges facing East African music?
