Gospel singer Daddy Owen | PHOTO/@daddyowen/Instagram
Veteran gospel artist Daddy Owen has called on Kenyans to support local musicians after the recent drama involving Willy Paul and Diamond Platnumz at the Furaha City Festival on December 7, 2024.
In a post on his Instagram on December 8, Daddy Owen shared that Kenyan audiences have helped many African musicians get their start, only for them to forget where they came from once they hit it big. He mentioned how Pastor T Mwangi addressed the crowd at an event he attended, urging Kenyans to back their own artists even when regional stars are present.
“Yesterday was quite an eventful day. I attended an event where Pst. T @pastortmwangi urged Kenyans to support their own in the presence of regional musicians from Tanzania and Rwanda. This morning, I woke up to a video of fans chanting Pozze’s @willy.paul.msafi name instead of Diamond’s @diamondplatnumz. It’s time we support our own. For too long, Kenya has been a launchpad for many African musicians, only for them to turn their backs on us once they make it. Let us support our own 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪”
Gospel singer Daddy Owen | PHOTO/@daddyowen/Instagram
Willy Paul’s Concerns
Willy Paul had earlier voiced his frustration over being mistreated at Diamond Platnumz’s Furaha City Festival, held at the Nairobi Polo Club. Through his official Instagram account, Willy Paul said he faced poor treatment and nearly missed his chance to perform at the event.
He pointed out that Tanzanian musicians seemed to be prioritized, which led to disappointment among Kenyan fans. Willy Paul expressed his frustration about the last-minute changes that made it difficult for local artists to perform.
“Tanzanian artists are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul asked, voicing his concern about the unfair treatment.
Kenyan singer Willy Paul | PHOTO/@willy.paul.msafi/Instagram
Willy Paul shared that Tanzanian artists were taken on stage before Kenyan performers in a last-minute change of the lineup.
“I’m being mistreated at the event. Wanaweka Tanzanians Waperform. Wanachange vitu last minute. Why are Kenyans allowing this?” Willy Paul added, urging people to reflect on the situation.
Reports suggest tensions rose when Diamond Platnumz’s team refused to let Willy Paul perform after him. However, the attendees insisted on following the original schedule, leading to a disagreement.
