‘Ng’ombe Hazijawahi Maliziana Nyasi’: Wamae Urges Diamond and Eric Omondi to Shun Divisions

Former Roots Party running mate Justina Wamae has called for unity among East African artists amid escalating tensions following the Furaha City music festival at Nairobi Polo Club on December 7, 2024. The event, meant to celebrate music, sparked an intense dispute between comedian Eric Omondi and Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz over claims of unfair treatment of Kenyan artists.

The Controversy

Kenyan artist Willy Paul ignited the debate by alleging mistreatment at the festival.
“Tanzanian artists are being given priority. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul lamented, accusing organizers of favoring Tanzanian musicians.

Eric Omondi echoed these concerns on Instagram, detailing instances of Kenyan artists being sidelined, from lack of backstage privileges to inferior treatment compared to international acts.
“We fought for Kenyan artists for two years… A lot is going to change. Our time is near!” Omondi wrote, expressing his frustrations.

Diamond Platnumz responded with a sharp rebuttal, highlighting his own positive experiences in Kenya and Tanzania. He urged Omondi to focus on fostering unity rather than animosity.
“Success comes from hard work, not creating hostility. We in East Africa thrive on love and cooperation,” he stated. Diamond’s manager, Sallam SK, attributed the chaos to Willy Paul, accusing him of disrupting Zuchu’s performance in a bid to headline the show.

Wamae’s Call for Unity

Amid the heated exchanges, Justina Wamae shifted the conversation toward collaboration. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), she emphasized the economic opportunities in the broader East African market.
“Kenya has a population of 56 million, Tanzania 68 million, but East Africa boasts 506 million people. The potential is immense if artists focus on regional growth instead of internal rivalries,” she wrote.

Wamae also urged policymakers to create environments that support collaboration and fair treatment across borders.
“Ng’ombe hazijawahi maliziana nyasi, na sidhani zitawahi. There’s enough room for everyone to thrive if we see the bigger picture,” she added, referencing Diamond’s response to Omondi.

The Bigger Picture

As the dust settles, Wamae’s sentiments remind East African artists of the power of unity. Instead of fueling divisions, the region can leverage its massive population to create an entertainment industry that benefits all players.

By focusing on shared growth, the East African music scene has the potential to become a formidable force on the global stage.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.