In a candid statement shared on December 11, 2024, media personality Willis Raburu shed light on the controversies surrounding the Furaha City Festival, focusing particularly on the behavior of Kenyan musician Willy Paul and the overall challenges faced in organizing the event. Raburu’s comments come at a time when the Kenyan music industry is grappling with issues of professionalism, unity, and the support needed for local talent to thrive in the face of growing international competition.
Behind the Scenes at Furaha City
The Furaha City Festival, which took place recently, was intended to be a major celebration of music, unity, and culture. However, the event was marred by controversies, including the absence of Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and a highly publicized altercation involving Willy Paul. Raburu, who was the event organizer and had invested considerable effort into ensuring its success, spoke out about what transpired behind the scenes, aiming to clarify misconceptions and highlight the difficulties faced by the team.
Raburu’s statement was particularly revealing as he detailed his involvement in coordinating the event’s logistics. He disclosed that he personally managed various aspects of Willy Paul’s performance, including arranging for the artist’s 40 dancers to have stage access. This level of behind-the-scenes involvement underscores the significant role Raburu played in trying to maintain order and professionalism, despite the challenges posed by the event’s chaotic nature.
Unity and Professionalism in the Industry
Raburu did not shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the lack of unity within Kenya’s music industry. While he praised Willy Paul’s talent as a performer, Raburu made it clear that much of what occurred at the festival wasn’t visible to the public. He pointed to his own efforts in securing sponsorships and supporting local artists, stressing the need for greater professionalism and discipline in the industry. Raburu’s comments highlight a broader issue Kenya’s music industry often struggles with adequate support for local artists, leading to their limited exposure and opportunities in comparison to their international counterparts.
The lack of unity in the Kenyan music scene was a recurring theme in Raburu’s statement. He pointed out that while it’s easy to support international artists online, true support for local talent requires tangible actions, such as listening to their music and watching their videos more regularly. This call to action underscores the gap between the virtual support often offered to international stars and the real, tangible backing needed by Kenyan artists to succeed both locally and on the global stage.
Securing Future Success
Raburu’s statement also reflected on the need for constructive feedback and growth. He acknowledged that the festival’s success was due in large part to the numerous artists who delivered memorable performances and the fans who provided valuable feedback. This feedback, he noted, would be instrumental in shaping future events, ensuring they are more professional and better organized. Raburu’s emphasis on listening to criticism and using it as a tool for growth speaks to a maturing industry that is willing to learn from its mistakes and make the necessary changes to support local talent more effectively.
In his closing remarks, Raburu urged for a more honest and supportive music industry in Kenya. He criticized the practice of prioritizing international artists over local talent and called for more concrete actions to support the growth of Kenyan musicians. “We’ve failed our artists,” Raburu stated, referring to the statistics that show international artists dominate streaming platforms and social media, while local artists struggle to gain similar traction. “It’s easy to share a post about an international artist’s latest hit, but we need to go beyond that and actively support our own.”
Conclusion
Raburu’s statements serve as a wake-up call to the Kenyan music industry and its stakeholders. The Furaha City Festival, despite its controversies, highlighted the need for professionalism, discipline, and genuine support for local talent. As Kenya continues to grow as a music hub, it must address these issues to create a more unified, supportive environment for its artists. Raburu’s call for action is not just a reminder of what happened at the festival, but a roadmap for the future one that demands honesty, unity, and a commitment to supporting the rich talent within Kenya’s music scene.
