The Kenyan music scene is no stranger to drama, but when it involves big names like Willy Paul and Diamond Platnumz, it always makes headlines. Recently, the controversy surrounding Diamond’s no-show at the Furaha City Festival left fans buzzing. In his absence, Willy Paul took to the stage, delivering a stellar performance, though not without expressing frustrations over being allegedly denied access initially.
Amid the drama, Kenyan rapper Charisma has come forward to voice his admiration for Willy Paul’s resilience and boldness in addressing issues affecting artists. Speaking to Mpasho during Spotify Wrapped Kenya, Charisma applauded Willy Paul’s candor, saying, “I love that he does not keep quiet about how or what he feels. It is good that people are having the conversation, and things will be better for Kenyan artists.”
For Charisma, Willy Paul’s outspoken nature is a strength, not a weakness. “Willy Paul, don’t worry, we are together,” he added. “For me, it does not matter what time I perform. I will get on stage and kill the show. Let Willy Paul do his stuff.”
A Shared Experience in the Music Industry
The entertainment industry can be ruthless, and Charisma is no stranger to its challenges. When asked if he has ever faced mistreatment on or behind the stage, he provided a pragmatic perspective: “I believe you get what you work for. If you do not get treated how you want, walk away.”
This insight reflects the reality of many artists who grapple with unfair treatment in their careers. Charisma’s stance is one of empowerment and determination, emphasizing that artists must set standards for how they wish to be treated.
A Promising Future
Looking ahead, Charisma and Willy Paul are set to share a stage at the MadfunXperience concert in March 2025. The event promises to be a significant moment for both artists and their fans. Charisma is optimistic about the future, drawing inspiration from international acts like Burna Boy. “Work hard, love what you do. Music is like any other business—it works for some, but for others, it doesn’t,” he shared.
He also expressed excitement about being on the same stage as Burna Boy, saying, “It’s an honor to be on stage with him. It’s just me and him. I am looking forward to it.”
The Bigger Picture
The ongoing conversation sparked by the Furaha City Festival incident highlights deeper issues within the Kenyan music industry. Willy Paul’s public expression of frustration reflects the struggles many artists face, including lack of access, favoritism, and unequal treatment. Charisma’s support for his fellow artist and his emphasis on resilience and hard work underscore the importance of solidarity among musicians.
Both Charisma and Willy Paul exemplify the need for artists to advocate for themselves and their peers. As Charisma pointed out, transparency and open dialogue can lead to positive change in the industry.
As Kenyan artists continue to carve out their space on the global stage, the focus remains on improving opportunities and platforms for local talent. Charisma’s perspective offers a reminder that while challenges persist, unity and hard work can pave the way for growth and success.
The Furaha City Festival may have sparked controversy, but it has also brought attention to the resilience of Kenyan artists like Willy Paul and Charisma, who remain committed to their craft despite the odds. With events like the MadfunXperience concert on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more electrifying performances and inspiring moments from their favorite stars.
