Celebrated radio presenter and artiste Gidi has recently addressed allegations that he lost over 10,000 YouTube subscribers following his performance at the 2024 Jamhuri Day celebrations. The claims, which quickly gained traction online, have now been dismissed by Gidi as baseless and misleading, with the veteran presenter urging his followers to disregard the rumors.
Did Gidi Lose 10,000 YouTube Subscribers?
The controversy emerged after the Jamhuri Day celebrations, where several performers, including Gidi, faced criticism from Kenyans. The backlash was fueled by accusations that the artistes were supporting the government, leading to online attacks and even claims of Gidi losing a significant number of subscribers on his YouTube channel.
In response, Gidi took to social media to clarify the situation. He firmly stated that the rumors about him losing 10,000 subscribers were unfounded. “I have seen some TikTokers and bloggers using this fake story in their commentaries. I am not active on YouTube, and I have never had 10,000 subscribers. I don’t monetize social media; I only use it for social commentary. I am only active on Facebook. Watch out and ignore fake news created by people looking for likes and clickbait online,” Gidi explained.
The Backlash Extended Beyond Social Media
The criticism didn’t stop with the YouTube subscriber claims. Artistes who performed at the Jamhuri Day celebrations, including Gidi, found themselves the target of personal attacks. Contact information for some performers, including Gidi and singer Daddy Owen, was leaked online, resulting in a barrage of insults and abusive messages from angry Kenyans.
Reactions from the Public
The leak of personal contact details and the subsequent online harassment sparked mixed reactions from the public. Many expressed their support for the artistes, condemning the actions of those responsible for spreading fake news and leaking personal information.
Chris Kirwa, a social media user, wrote: “Sad, clout chasing gains them temporary results. But legit content lasts forever.” Another commenter, Apc Awuor Ponge, pointed out that content creators often use such stories to attract followers for financial gain. “Actually, the content creators are using such content of celebs so that they can attract followers to their social media accounts for monetary benefits,” Ponge said.
Meanwhile, other followers urged Gidi to stay strong. “You are a role model to many, keep moving sir!” said Moses Ndwiwa. A user named Hakim Brian Briilliant Bwoy 254 advised Gidi not to be discouraged: “Watu wako na wivu sana, but usitishwe kwanza next national holiday perform tena na nguvu zako zote.”
Daddy Owen Also Voices Frustration
Gidi wasn’t the only one frustrated by the backlash. Veteran musician Daddy Owen also faced online attacks after his performance at the Jamhuri Day celebrations. His phone was flooded with calls and messages, many of them abusive, following the leak of his contact details. Daddy Owen took to his X account to express his frustration, revealing that some callers genuinely wanted to understand his decision to perform, while others hurled insults at him.
The Jamhuri Day celebrations have sparked a wave of online criticism, with performers like Gidi and Daddy Owen caught in the crossfire. Despite the controversy, Gidi has made it clear that he will not be swayed by unfounded rumors or the pressure of online trolls. He remains focused on his career and continues to use social media for social commentary, rather than for personal gain. As the online drama unfolds, Gidi’s message is clear: stay vigilant and don’t be fooled by fake news.
