In the wake of recent controversies involving fellow artistes Diamond Platnumz and Willy Paul, Tanzanian musician Harmonize has issued a strong warning to anyone planning to disrupt his upcoming performance in Uganda.
Harmonize took to Instagram to deliver an emphatic message, leaving no doubt about his determination to ensure the show proceeds without interference.
The Bongo musician vowed to beat up any Ugandan musician who dares cause drama at his event like what happened in Kenya recently.
“UGANDA 🇦🇺 TEAM NO EXCUSES COMING 🏃 KAMA KUNA MSANI WENU MKOROFI MKOROFI MWAMBIE NI KABISA ATAPIGWA!!! ⚠️ NAKAMATA NATIA VIBAO!!! SHOW ITAFANYIKA THEN TUTAKUTANA POLICE 😏 HAKUNA WAKUNIZUIA KUIMBA LABDA MWENYEWE PRESIDENT @kagutamuseveni VERY GOOD MAN ❤️ SEE YOU THERE BANANGE ❤,” Harmonize wrote, blending Swahili and English in his fiery post.
Furaga City festival
Harmonize’s announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the East African music industry, following the chaotic clash between Diamond Platnumz and Willy Paul at the Furaha City Music Festival, held at the Nairobi Polo Club on December 7, 2024.
The event sparked heated exchanges between artists and exposed underlying grievances about unequal treatment of Kenyan and Tanzanian musicians.
Willy Paul publicly accused the festival organizers of favouring Tanzanian musicians over their Kenyan counterparts.
He claimed mistreatment, pointing to disparities in the hospitality extended to local and international artists.
“Tanzanian artists are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul lamented, expressing his frustration over the preferential treatment.
Comedian Eric Omondi, known for his vocal advocacy for local artistes, quickly joined the debate.
He took to Instagram to demand equal opportunities and better treatment for Kenyan performers at home.
In a passionate post, he detailed the injustices Kenyan artists face, including a lack of VIP access and backstage privileges compared to the elaborate accommodations provided to international stars.
“It may tary 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,’” Eric Omondi wrote.
He recounted past struggles, including being teargassed and arrested while pushing for fair pay and treatment for Kenyan artists.
Eric Omondi’s demands included equal backstage amenities, proper recognition, and respect for local performers.
Diamond fingers Willy Paul
Diamond Platnumz responded to Eric Omondi with a sharp rebuttal.
He reminded Eric of the warm reception he has always received in Tanzania and dismissed claims of bias at the event.
“My Brother Eric, Mafanikio hayaji kwa kuwawekea chuki Wengine, bali yanakuja kwa kuongeza juhudi kisha Mungu nae atakubariki,” Diamond wrote, urging Omondi to focus on fostering unity and hard work rather than promoting division.
Diamond also addressed Willy Paul’s accusations, accusing him of creating unnecessary drama for publicity.
He clarified that no discrimination occurred at the Furaha City music festival and accused Willy Paul of disrupting the event to attract attention.
Diamond’s manager, Sallam SK Mendez, elaborated on the incident, claiming Willy Paul caused chaos by attempting to take the stage during Zuchu’s scheduled performance.
According to Mendez, Willy Paul had earlier refused to perform during his allocated slot but later tried to assert himself as the headliner, leading to a confrontation.
“Nadhani ifike mahali wasanii muwekeze bidii kwenye kazi, kufeki story sababu ya fame ya kulazimisha bifu ili kutrend haisaidii,” Mendez remarked.
He urged artistes to focus on their craft rather than fabricating conflicts for publicity.
The Furaha City music festival has brought to light ongoing frustrations within the East African music scene.
Harmonize’s warning, issued against the backdrop of these disputes, underscores the escalating tensions in the industry.
