Lavalava reveals pressure of meeting fans’ expectations after WCB Wasafi exit
By Steve Ireri, August 15, 2025Tanzanian singer Abdul Juma Idd, alias Lavalava, has opened up on the pressures and challenges he has faced since officially leaving WCB Wasafi, describing his transition to a solo career as a difficult yet necessary journey to prove his capabilities.
Speaking to Tanzanian YouTuber Ricky Media on Friday, August 15, 2025, Lavalava revealed that leaving the renowned label brought a heavy burden.
He explained that since the announcement of his departure, he has struggled with sleepless nights as he works to demonstrate to fans and the industry that he can succeed independently.
“First, I have carried a very heavy burden. Since it was officially announced that Lavalava is no longer with WCB Wasafi, I have struggled to sleep because now I have to prove to people that I can perform and that I have the capability now that I want to be a solo musician,” he said.
The singer added that fans have high expectations for his solo work, anticipating bigger and bolder music than what he delivered while at WCB Wasafi.
This pressure influenced the scale and production of his new EP, which Lavalava described as a major undertaking.
“Also, people expect me to create bigger and stronger music than what I used to release while I was with Wasafi. That is why the preparation for my new EP was very large,” he noted.
Despite the extensive work on his new EP, Lavalava shared that he has been closely monitoring fan reception and feedback, observing that no one has criticised the project, which he sees as a positive sign.
“I have breathed a sigh of relief because, since I released this new EP, no one has come forward to say a song is bad or that a song is overhyped in the EP. I have been checking the reception, but I have not seen anyone say anything,” he said.
Lavalava also acknowledged that while a music label can provide a platform and audience, independent artistes face a critical reality: if the music does not resonate, the impact is limited.
“Things can be fine and you may have an audience, but if the songs are bad, your story is over,” he added.
Diamond’s support
The statement by the ‘Desh Desh’ crooner comes just two days after he revealed that he has not received the funds promised by Diamond Platnumz to kickstart his solo career after leaving WCB Wasafi.
Lavalava joined the WCB label in 2015 but was officially unveiled after releasing his first song under the label in 2017.
Speaking to Tanzanian YouTubers hours after appearing at the BASATA following his summons on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Lavalava said that, to date, he has not received any of the money promised.
“Honestly, up to now I have not received that money, and I have not been given anything of the funds he said he would give me, but I thank God because I had a little, and that little I had is what I have used for my projects,” he said.
He noted that his projects have continued to come out with quality despite the absence of support from his former label.
“I am working on my projects, as you can see, and they are coming out with high quality. Therefore, the small savings I had is what I have been using to do my work, and I have not received anything from him. My new EP will even be released on Friday night, so my fans should stay alert,” Lavalava added, urging fans to watch out for his upcoming music.