Philanthropist and human activist Eric Omondi has weighed in on the ongoing discourse about the mistreatment of Kenyan musicians during events that feature international artistes.
In his statement, Omondi condemned the incident and expressed optimism that soon the continued fight for Kenyan artistes to receive fair treatment will bear fruit.
He, however, acknowledged that continuous efforts to get their demands heard faced backlash and struggles with the police arresting and teargassing them for demanding better for the musicians.
“It may tarry but it will surely come to pass. Mungu halali. We fought for kenyan artists/music for two years non stop. I believe in one principle…”Just plant, you will harvest later”. We were teargassed even arrested for pushing equal treatment and pay for kenyan artists. Our demands were simple:
“1. Equal treatment: kenyan artist hawananga v.I.P tents backstage while wengine huwekewa white sofa sets, black tea, white tea, assorted foods, pombe brands zote, polisi, bouncers while a kenyan artists husimama kando ya stage ama nyuma ya tent. “
The comedian-turned-philanthropist disclosed that he has witnessed Kenyan artistes begging at the entrance for security to let their team enter the venue, whereas their international counterparts arrive in motorcades of up to 15 cars.
“I have witnessed numerous times kenyan artists begging at the entrance for security to allow their team (managers and dancers)to enter the venue while our international brothers and sisters arrive in motorcades of upto 15 cars😰😰😰. There is a lot going on in kenya today but one thing am sure…A lot is going to change. We will harvest!!! Our time is near!!!” Omondi said.
The comedian’s remarks follow a complaint by artiste Willy Paul over what he described as mistreatment at Diamond Platnumz’s Furaha City music festival which took place at the Nairobi Polo Club on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The musician took to his social media pages to lament about his experience saying Tanzania artistes were granted first priority at the event.
“Tanzanian artists are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul stated.
“I’m being mistreated at the event. Wanaweka Tanzanians Waperform. Wanachange vitu last minute. Why are Kenyans allowing this?” he added.
Fans who attended the event corroborated his statement saying the ‘Yes I Do’ hitmaker was prevented from getting on stage and Tanzanian artiste Zuchu was invited to perform instead.
This, according to the fans, sparked outrage from the crowd which demanded that Willy Paul perform.
