The Kenyan music industry was recently rocked by comments from Savara Mudigi, who labelled fellow artist Otile Brown as “overrated.” His statement has sparked a war of words between the two musicians, with Otile responding vehemently to the criticism. The situation has generated mixed reactions from fans, with some picking sides, while others remain divided over the matter.
Savara’s Bold Remarks About Otile Brown
During an appearance on Stephanie Nganga’s SNS podcast, Savara was asked to name the most overrated artist in East Africa. Without hesitation, the popular artist named Otile Brown, though he quickly added that he had no explanation for his choice. This came months after a similar comment from Bensoul, who also criticized Otile’s vocal abilities, claiming that Otile sings with his nose for a sharper voice.
Savara’s blunt remarks quickly caught the attention of many, including Otile Brown, who did not take kindly to being labelled “overrated.”
Otile Brown’s Response: “Obsessed” and “Hating”
In his signature style, Otile took to Instagram stories to share a video of Savara’s interview, insinuating that Savara was “obsessed” with him. He questioned why, if he wasn’t a threat in the industry, people continued to criticize him. “The obsession. If I’m not a threat, then why y’all keep dissin? I love it,” he wrote, addressing the ongoing remarks about his career.
Otile further mocked Savara’s recent hit, “Sinda,” suggesting that people were focused on hating him instead of celebrating his own success. He also shared that while he has never wanted to be a king in the industry, he would now prefer to be referred to as “Bwana Mpua number 1,” a name he coined to represent his passion for music and storytelling.
The Back-and-Forth Continues
In a video shared on Instagram, Otile expressed his views on the criticisms he has faced, stating that no one could tell a better story than him. He described himself as a “vessel” and insisted that he had a bigger purpose than just being at the top. “If you don’t get to feel God, then you have to check with your soul,” Otile said, referencing his personal journey and growth as an artist.
Fans of Otile Brown were quick to come to his defense, with many praising his talent and dismissing the claims that he was overrated. One user, @morgan_kenyan, wrote, “Otile had his time… did one of the best albums, ‘Just in Love’… Let’s give him his flowers rather than hating.”
However, some fans sided with Savara, with @cynthiazion2 stating, “Savara should count themselves lucky they started as a group and Bien carried the name everywhere, Otile Brown sings better whether na Mapua, maskio ama macho.”
Savara’s Big Moment at Nyayo Stadium
This public feud comes just days after Savara had a moment of triumph. The musician had the honor of leading the crowd in singing the Kenyan national anthem during the Kenya vs. Gabon match at Nyayo Stadium on March 23, 2025. The moment was a significant achievement for Savara, who proudly donned the Kenyan national jersey as he made history.
The back-and-forth between Savara and Otile Brown shows the competitiveness and high emotions in the Kenyan music industry. While some fans support Otile’s artistry and legacy, others believe that Savara and other artists should have the freedom to voice their opinions without facing backlash. It’s clear that this feud will continue to be a topic of conversation among music lovers, who are divided over who holds the crown as the industry’s best.
