Tanzanian musician Phina is facing significant backlash after announcing her collaboration with Kenyan singer Willy Paul. Her decision has stirred up a storm among Tanzanian music fans, who are unhappy with her choice to work with Willy Paul, a figure who has been at the center of several controversies within the Tanzanian music scene.
The tension between Willy Paul and Tanzanian artists began in 2024 during the Furaha City Festival, where Willy Paul and Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz had a highly publicized clash. The altercation escalated when they argued over who would perform first, resulting in a physical confrontation that led to Diamond leaving the stage without performing.
To make matters worse, Willy Paul also made headlines by dismissing his collaboration with Tanzanian artist Rayvanny, calling the song “trash” and demanding that the DJ switch tracks. This incident left many Tanzanian fans feeling disrespected, and the resentment has carried over into Phina’s collaboration with Willy Paul.
The criticism from Tanzanian fans has been intense, with many accusing Phina of supporting someone who disrespected their own artists. Fans argue that while they generally support collaborations between Tanzanian and Kenyan musicians, they believe that Phina’s partnership with Willy Paul crosses a line due to his actions towards their beloved stars.
In response to the backlash, Willy Paul took to Instagram to clarify his stance. He denied harboring any ill feelings towards Tanzanians, instead insisting that his issue was solely with disrespectful behavior. “Ndugu zangu wa Tanzania, msidanganywe eti kuwa nina chuki na nyinyi au wasanii wenu. Sisi wote ni ndugu and we need each other, but what I won’t allow ni dharau,” he wrote, emphasizing that he would not tolerate disrespect. He further explained that Diamond Platnumz had provoked him during the Furaha City Festival, and that he had no personal grudge against Tanzanians.
Despite Willy Paul’s clarification, Tanzanian fans have continued to voice their displeasure. Many are boycotting the song, refusing to support the collaboration and vowing not to stream or watch the video. The ongoing feud between Willy Paul and Tanzanian artists has led to a strained relationship between him and the Tanzanian fanbase, and Phina’s involvement with him has only exacerbated the situation.
In another incident, Diamond Platnumz’s manager, Sallam SK, accused Willy Paul of trying to create a feud with Diamond to boost his own publicity. Sallam also explained that Diamond’s absence from the Furaha City Festival was due to disagreements with event organizers, not any animosity between the artists.
As the controversy unfolds, Phina’s upcoming collaboration with Willy Paul remains under scrutiny, and it seems that the tension between Tanzanian fans and the Kenyan artist is far from over. Will Phina’s decision to work with Willy Paul affect her career in Tanzania? Only time will tell.
