Thousands of music fans had eagerly anticipated the Furaha City concert on December 7th, where Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, and other top artists were set to perform.
However, things took a dramatic turn when a confrontation broke out between Willy Paul and Diamond Platnumz’s team over their performance schedule.
Tensions escalated when Diamond’s bodyguard reportedly confronted Pozee’s team regarding the schedule changes, with eyewitnesses claiming that Pozee was assaulted in the process.
Diamond walked off the stage, canceling his performance, while Willy took to the stage and delivered what was described as an electrifying show.
Diamond had reportedly wanted to perform earlier to leave the event, but Willy Paul objected, expressing his frustration backstage. “Why should he take my slot? That’s just disrespectful,” Paul was heard saying.
In another video, Diamond was seen sitting in his car, with Zuchu joining him.
Diamond’s manager, SK Sallam, defended his artist, stating, “I was not involved in the event’s campaigns, and my image was sidelined.”
Meanwhile, other Kenyan musicians performed without incident, and many celebrities took to social media to comment on the unfolding drama.
The organizers of Furaha City Festival have released a statement addressing Diamond Platnumz’s failure to perform, expressing regret.
“As organizers, we made every effort to accommodate him, and his team, ensuring that all plans and contingencies, were in place for a seamless experience. Despite our best efforts, his team behavior and demands proved regrettable and unnecessarily overbearing,” it read in part.
Kenyans have taken to social media to protest the treatment Pozzee received, while calling for respect of local artistes. A trending hashtag, as they compassionately play Pozze’s music.
But who is Willy Paul?
Wilson Abubakar Radido, better known by his stage name Willy Paul, is a 33-year-old musician born and raised in Mathare, Nairobi.
His father worked as a carpenter, while his mother was a hairdresser, providing him with a humble upbringing.
Despite these modest beginnings, Willy has risen to become one of Kenya’s most influential and successful musicians.
Willy is the founder and CEO of Saldido International Entertainment, a music label that has signed some of Kenya’s top artists.
His career took off after he was discovered by renowned music producer J Blessing during a concert for Eko Dydda.
It was at this event that his musical potential was spotted, leading to a breakthrough that would shape his career in the entertainment industry.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures in the Kenyan music industry, including Daddy Owen, Ben Githae, Gloria Muliro, DK Kwenye Beat, Ben Bahati, Bahati, Men of God (MOG), Size 8, Mr Seed, Shiru Wa GP, Betty Bayo, Danny Gift, DJ Sadic, and DJ Mo. The album featured popular tracks such as “Lala Salama,” “Kitanzi,” “Mpenzi,” and the title track.
In addition to the album, Willy Paul gained significant fame with his 2012 hit single “Sitolia,” a collaboration with gospel artist Gloria Muliro. The song became a massive success, amassing 1.9 million views on YouTube.