Willis Raburu, a well-known media personality and event promoter, is facing backlash from Kenyans after a recent incident at an event where Kenyan artist Poze was allegedly mistreated.
Raburu, who was part of the event's organizing team, has been accused of prioritizing foreign artists over local talent, a move that has sparked outrage among fans and the Kenyan music community.
The incident unfolded when Poze, a talented Kenyan musician, was reportedly thrown around by bouncers as she attempted to perform.
The crowd, however, rallied behind Poze, demanding that she be allowed to take the stage, as the event organizers had already set up the stage for Diamond Platnumz, a prominent Tanzanian artist, to perform next.
This situation highlighted a recurring issue in the Kenyan entertainment industry: the tendency of some promoters to favor international artists over local acts.
Critics argue that Raburu, who has a significant influence in the industry, should have stood up for Poze and other Kenyan artists, advocating for their rightful place in the spotlight. Many feel that by allowing such disrespectful treatment of a local artist, Raburu has shown a disregard for the talent and potential within the Kenyan music scene.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Kenyan artists, who often struggle to gain recognition and respect within their own country.
The treatment of Poze is seen as an example of the larger problem, where local artists are overlooked in favor of foreign stars. Kenyans are calling for Raburu to apologize and for event promoters to prioritize local talent, ensuring that the dignity of Kenyan musicians is upheld in future events.
