Willis Raburu, the chief organiser of the Furaha City Festival, recently addressed the controversy surrounding Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz’s failure to perform at the highly anticipated event. Held at the Nairobi Polo Club Grounds, the festival boasted an impressive lineup of both Kenyan and Tanzanian talent, including Zuchu, Rayvanny, Willy Paul, and Khaligraph Jones. However, the absence of Diamond Platnumz, a key headliner, left fans disappointed and sparked an uproar.
In a statement shared by Raburu, the organisers expressed their regret over the situation, emphasising that they had made every effort to ensure Diamond’s performance. Despite their commitment, they cited issues stemming from the demands and conduct of Diamond’s team as the main reason for his absence. “We deeply regret to announce that Diamond Platnumz did not perform as scheduled. His team’s behaviour and overbearing demands were unfortunate and hindered our plans,” the statement explained.
While the organisers acknowledged the minor security issue involving another artist, they assured the public that it was swiftly handled, allowing the festival to continue smoothly. They also took the opportunity to commend Kenyan artistes for their outstanding performances, with particular praise for Rayvanny and Zuchu, who were instrumental in delivering a memorable experience.
The organisers recognised Diamond Platnumz’s stature in the music industry but stressed the importance of mutual professionalism and respect in such high-profile collaborations. “Our commitment to professionalism remains unwavering, and we believe that future editions of the festival will be even more successful,” Raburu concluded.
Despite the setback, the event’s overall success highlighted the immense talent of Kenyan artists, who ensured that the festival remained a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and unity.
