In the ever-evolving landscape of East African music, tensions have been high recently, particularly between Tanzanian and Kenyan artists. The latest flare-up has been marked by a series of controversies involving prominent musicians such as Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, and Willy Paul. As Harmonize prepares for his upcoming performance in Uganda, he has made it clear that he will not tolerate any interference, issuing a stern warning to anyone contemplating disrupting his show. This follows a dramatic clash at the Furaha City Music Festival in Nairobi on December 7, 2024, and highlights the broader issues affecting the regional music scene.
The recent Furaha City Music Festival provided a dramatic backdrop to the feud between Diamond Platnumz and Willy Paul. The event, which attracted artists from across the East African region, saw a confrontation between the two, exposing deep-rooted frustrations about the treatment of Kenyan and Tanzanian artists on the same stage. Willy Paul, in particular, took issue with what he perceived as favoritism towards Tanzanian performers. He publicly criticized the organizers for their unequal treatment, noting that Kenyan artists were given less favorable conditions such as restricted access to VIP areas and inferior backstage amenities compared to their Tanzanian counterparts.
Willy Paul’s accusations did not go unanswered. In a swift response, Diamond Platnumz dismissed these claims, calling for unity among East African artists and emphasizing the importance of hard work over divisiveness. He argued that the best way for any artist to stand out is through dedication and talent, not by creating drama or seeking attention through conflicts. Diamond’s message was clear: the East African music industry is large enough for everyone to succeed, and unity is essential for collective progress.
Against this backdrop of rising tensions, Harmonize has chosen to take a different approach. Before his upcoming performance in Uganda, Harmonize took to Instagram to issue a strong warning to potential disruptors. He made it unequivocally clear that he would not tolerate any form of interference at his show. Harmonize emphasized his intention to maintain control over his performance, going so far as to threaten physical confrontation with any Ugandan musician who tries to cause drama similar to what happened in Kenya. His statement was a direct response to the incident involving Willy Paul and highlighted his desire to prevent a similar situation from escalating in his own event.
Harmonize’s statement is significant not just for the tone it sets but also for the message it sends about the state of the East African music scene. It underscores the pressures faced by artists who navigate a competitive environment, where perception and influence can be as crucial as musical talent. Harmonize’s warning reflects a growing frustration among artists who feel the need to protect their events and their reputations from external interference, especially in a region known for its vibrant music festivals and concerts.
The ongoing tensions between Tanzanian and Kenyan artists are symptomatic of a larger issue within the East African music industry the struggle for recognition and respect. Many artists from Kenya feel that their Tanzanian counterparts have been given preferential treatment, whether it’s through media coverage, festival bookings, or even airtime on regional radio stations. This perception of unequal treatment is not new, but recent events have brought it to the forefront, with artists like Harmonize and Willy Paul becoming vocal about their frustrations.
Eric Omondi, a well-known Kenyan comedian and media personality, also weighed in on the issue, echoing Willy Paul’s sentiments about the mistreatment of Kenyan artists. Omondi, who has been a vocal advocate for better conditions for local musicians, demanded a fairer approach to how East African artists are treated, particularly when they perform outside their home countries. His concerns were amplified by Harmonize’s warning, signaling that the East African music scene is at a crossroads either it will foster unity and equitable treatment, or it will continue to be plagued by conflict and division.
