Diamond vs Willy Paul: Our ego is not great

We admire the undying spirit and inspiring tales of Kenya’s musicians, actors and other stage icons.

Yet despite our huge talent pool, the country’s creative industry faces big-time challenges – starting with lack of policies and support systems to guarantee local celebs a decent living.

President William Ruto, speaking on Jamhuri Day, regretted how hard-working musicians earn Sh10,000 a year when those managing their royalties collect millions of shillings.
There are louder murmurs out there over apparent paranoia and over-regulation by self-appointed ‘morality prefects’ who only serve to stifle our local enterprise.

Nonetheless, our entertainment industry is bullish. According to the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, the sector is worth Sh220 billion. It can grow exponentially if not for tendencies keeping away potential sponsors and foreigners interested in partnering with us.

Without knowing, we’ve been killing rather than nurturing creatives every so often in the name of defending twisted versions of patriotism. Last week’s incident where Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz clashed with our own Willy Paul (aka Willy Poze) is the latest example.

A brief altercation between the two songbirds led to the acrimonious end of the Furaha City Festival at the Nairobi Polo Club.

Kenya had a good line-up of Femi One, Mejja, Khaligraph Jones and Willy Poze. But despite the rich flair, there was deadlock over who should perform first.

Diamond reportedly waited backstage for three hours. But before he could perform, the event turned chaotic and he left the venue.

Thousands of Kenyans, led by comedian Eric Omondi, went gaga online. Without evidence, they accused the ‘foreign’ musician of disrespecting Kenyans. Diamond further faced claims of making ‘overbearing’ demands. The visiting Tanzanian and his fans back home weren’t amused!

Within a day, Diamond had lost 8.5 million followers on his social media accounts as enraged Kenyans ganged up to launch an online ‘revenge’ campaign. They were simply ‘punishing’ him for standing up to Willy Paul and his fans’ bullying antics.

Give it to him, Diamond has invested well in his brand. His success is no accident. In fact, he is one of Africa’s biggest stars. No local musician marches his knack.

If I were Willy Poze, I would swallow my pride and focus on personal growth at a pace I can manage, without disparaging an established colleague.

As a passionate fan of East African talent, I couldn’t help but reflect on the underlying issue revealed by this incident: Kenyans’ ego crisis. Due to our inflated sense of self-importance, we often think of ourselves as ‘prefects’ of the region who must dictate how things are done.

In the past, we’ve been accused of ‘kizungu mingi’ without a sense of comradeship.

From the toxicity of our politics to discourtesy to artistes from other East African Community (EAC) nations, we’re earning the reputation of being great cyber bullies. Even our top judge has lately decried being tormented online.

Simply put, we’re clinging to perceptions of glory when the truth is we dread being outpaced by neighbours in key sectors. Now, fear is rife that Rwanda could replace Kenya as a co-host of the African Nations Championship. Well, it could just happen.

Whenever I travel, friends ask me why Kenya’s entertainment industry isn’t as thriving as those of Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa or Tanzania.

My answer? A know-it-all attitude. A society with zero humility is doomed to fail. If we don’t stop ego-mongering, we will sink our creative sector. Let’s embrace the region and build creativity without prejudice.

That said, let’s support President Ruto’s efforts, including Kenya’s bid to host the Grammy Awards.

Incentives, more local content on airwaves and easier access to equipment must be explored to the hilt. The Talanta Academy speaks to these efforts.

Kenya’s success depends on collaborations. With Ruto chairing the EAC, we must show open-minded, not selfish leadership, for the bloc.

-The writer is a communications practitioner. X:@markoloo