Jamaican Reggae star Etana alleges sabotage amid Diamond's overlapping Nairobi event
What you need to know:
- In her statement, the artiste claimed that her concert had been planned well in advance, only for a last-minute conflict to arise with a high-profile performance by Tanzanian music sensation Diamond Platnumz.
Dar es Salaam. In a surprising twist of events, Jamaican reggae star Etana’s much-anticipated concert in Nairobi on December 7 was abruptly canceled, a development that has left fans and industry insiders questioning the motives behind the move.
Etana, renowned for her powerful voice and empowering lyrics, took to social media to express her dismay, alleging sabotage in what she described as an attempt to prevent her from performing in Kenya.
In her statement, the artiste claimed that her concert had been planned well in advance, only for a last-minute conflict to arise with a high-profile performance by Tanzanian music sensation Diamond Platnumz.
Both events were scheduled to take place on the same evening and within the same location, a decision that authorities reportedly deemed untenable.
“I am not happy about the sabotage and let me be clear, I am not showing up at Platnumz show!! It’s all good!” Etana declares in her statement, an assertion that made it clear she had no intention of being involved in what she saw as underhanded tactics aimed at hindering her success.
The singer further elaborates on the ordeal, stating, “My show on December 7 was being promoted long before someone popped up with a show with Diamond Platnumz on the same day and in the same area.”
She highlights the curious timing and the perceived efforts to block her show, adding, “I heard their show was postponed, then yesterday, they showed up 50 strong with Citizen TV media. In Jamaica, showing up with a crowd is normal, so that doesn’t frighten me.”
Etana’s message underscored her frustration with what she called “politics and drama for one girl.”
The artiste raised an important question: why such fear of one show and one woman? Her statement pointed to a deeper concern over power plays and rivalry in the music industry.
She even hinted at the involvement of influential figures, suggesting that there was more to the story that she chose not to disclose.
As a result of the show’s cancelation, Etana’s fans, who were eagerly anticipating her return to the Kenyan stage, are left disappointed.
The situation has prompted questions about the future of artiste collaborations and the lengths some are willing to go to assert dominance in the industry.
In the face of these challenges, Etana remains steadfast.
"There is more that can be said but I am me, so I will say no more,” she concludes
The saga, however, raises an important conversation about fairness, competition, and the obstacles artistes face in a world where rivalry can sometimes turn from friendly to hostile.