Dj Vnyash
Media personality and event organizer Willis Raburu has addressed the controversies surrounding the Furaha City Festival, including the absence of Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and the heated incident involving Kenyan musician Willy Paul.
In a statement released on December 11, Raburu shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics, emphasizing his efforts to support Willy Paul while advocating for greater unity in Kenya’s music industry.
Raburu acknowledged Willy Paul’s talent as a performer but pointed out that much of the situation wasn’t visible to the public. He shared that he had personally taken charge of the logistics for Willy Paul’s performance, including coordinating the singer’s 40 dancers and ensuring their access to the stage.
“To my brother Willy Paul, I can NEVER take away from the fact that you are a GREAT performer. But you know the truth. You know who was sorting you out backstage, who came to get you, and who ensured you and your dancers had access to the stage. You know it was me,” Raburu said.
Raburu also mentioned his involvement in securing Willy Paul’s sponsorship deal with a betting firm and his role in assisting him on stage during the festival. Despite facing challenges, Raburu emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline, reinforcing his commitment to the success of the event.
Acknowledging other artists, Raburu expressed his appreciation for the stellar performances at the festival and thanked fans for their constructive feedback, viewing it as an opportunity for growth.
“Thank you for all the comments and concerns about veracity and character. They show we are growing as a country and edging closer to the unity needed for real change,” Raburu stated.
He praised the overall success of the festival, emphasizing that the feedback from fans and stakeholders would help improve future events.
Raburu also called for greater truth and honesty within the music industry, pointing out the dominance of Tanzanian artists in Kenya and the lack of support for local musicians.
“It’s easy to support international stars online, but true support for Kenyan artists requires action, not just words. Let’s listen to their music more and watch their videos more. Based on this year’s stats, we’ve failed our artists, and we must face that truth,” he said.
Raburu urged Kenyans to show more active support for local talent and shift the focus to promoting Kenyan musicians. He noted the substantial streams Tanzanian artists receive in Kenya and called for a change to ensure local artists receive similar attention.
Despite the criticism, Raburu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Kenyan talent and thanked fans for their continued support. He assured them of his dedication to uplifting the country’s music scene and called for collective efforts to secure long-term success for Kenyan artists.
Silverio Omari
