Willy Paul questions why he was not picked to perform at Africa Forward concert

Kenyan musician Willy Paul has raised conversation online after openly questioning why he was not included among the artists selected to perform at the Africa Forward Summit concert held in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The singer expressed his disappointment through an Instagram post shared late on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, shortly after performances from selected Kenyan artists lit up the high-profile event, which was attended by regional leaders, investors, and international guests.

In his post, Willy Paul suggested he was surprised since he was not, saying he believed he had what it takes to represent the country on such a major platform. “I would have represented Kenya in a way history would remember. Unfortunately, they did not give me that chance,” he wrote.

The remarks quickly drew mixed reactions from fans and followers, with some agreeing with him while others argued that organisers have the final say when it comes to selecting performers for such events.

A stage many artists hoped for

The Africa Forward Summit was more than just a diplomatic gathering,  bringing together business leaders and creatives for conversations around Africa’s future innovation, investment, and youth empowerment.  The event also provided a platform to showcase African creativity through music, culture, and performance.

Part of the summit’s meeting was its entertainment segment, which featured several Kenyan artists, including Bien, who took to the stage to perform before delegates, including French President Emmanuel Macron and senior African leaders. 

For many local musicians, performing at such an event is seen as an opportunity to gain international visibility.

A familiar conversation in Kenya’s music scene

Willy Paul’s reaction has once again brought attention to the long-running conversation about recognition in Kenya’s music industry. Over the years, he has consistently maintained that his contribution to the entertainment industry is often overlooked despite his commercial success and strong fan base.

From hit songs to his packed performances, Willy Paul has built a career that has kept him relevant for over a decade. His supporters argue that his consistency should earn him more opportunities on national and international stages.

While summit organisers have not responded to the claims, the incident has opened a new conversation about how performers are selected for major state and international events. Some have defended the selection process, saying such events often take branding, theme, and protocol into account.

Still, Willy Paul’s comments remain,  with many in the creative industry who believe talent recognition should remain a top priority.

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