Bien Aime Baraza has revealed that Kenyan artists are highly loved and respected in Tanzania – except for fellow artist Willy Paul.

In a recorded interview with Silva Kido, the award-winning musician shared that Kenyan artists enjoy strong support in Tanzania and other nations, largely due to their contributions to the regional entertainment industry.

Bien explained that the appreciation Kenyan artists receive abroad is a reflection of the support they extend to foreign artists.

“Watanzania ni wangu and honestly, wanatusupport sana which is a good thing. Actually, wanasanii wetu are respected in other places because oftentimes, we love other people, and the love is reciprocated,” he stated.

However, Bien made a notable exception, revealing that in Tanzania, the only Kenyan artist currently facing widespread dislike is Willy Paul.

“In Tanzania, it’s not just Bien; we are loved over there, except for Willy Paul,” he remarked.

Willy Paul attracted the ire of Tanzanians in December 2024 after picking up a beef with Diamond Platnumz at the Furaha city music festival.

A chaotic clash between Diamond and Willy Paul at the Furaha City Music Festival held at the Nairobi Polo Club on December 7, 2024, sent shockwaves across East Africa.

Willy Paul publicly accused the festival organizers of favouring Tanzanian musicians over their Kenyan counterparts.

He claimed mistreatment, pointing to disparities in the hospitality extended to local and international artists.

“Tanzanian artists are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul lamented, expressing his frustration over the preferential treatment.

Comedian Eric Omondi, known for his vocal advocacy for local artistes, quickly joined the debate.

He took to Instagram to demand equal opportunities and better treatment for Kenyan performers at home.

In a passionate post, he detailed the injustices Kenyan artists face, including a lack of VIP access and backstage privileges compared to the elaborate accommodations provided to international stars.

“It may tary but it will surely come to pass. Mungu halali. We fought for Kenyan Artists/Music for two Years Non Stop. I believe in one Principle…”Just Plant, You will harvest later”. We were teargased even arrested for pushing equal Treatment and Pay for Kenyan Artists.

“Our Demands were Simple: 1. Equal treatment: Kenyan Artist hawananga V.I.P Tents backstage while wengine huwekewa White Sofa sets, Black Tea, White Tea, Assorted Foods, Pombe Brands Zote, Polisi, Bouncers while A kenyan Artists husimama kando ya Stage ama nyuma ya Tent.

“I have witnessed Numerous times Kenyan Artists begging at the entrance for security to allow their Team (Managers and Dancers)to enter the venue while our International brothers and Sisters arrive in Motorcades of upto 15 Cars😰😰😰. There is a lot going on in Kenya Today but one thing am sure…A LOT IS GOING TO CHANGE. WE WILL HARVEST!!! OUR TIME IS NEAR!!!” Eric Omondi wrote on Instagram.

Diamond Platnumz responded to Eric Omondi with a sharp rebuttal.

He reminded Eric of the warm reception he has always received in Tanzania and dismissed claims of bias at the event.

Diamond also addressed Willy Paul’s accusations, accusing him of creating unnecessary drama for publicity.

He clarified that no discrimination occurred at the Furaha City music festival and accused Willy Paul of disrupting the event to attract attention.

“My Brother Eric, Mafanikio hayaji kwa kuwawekea chuki Wengine, bali yanakuja kwa kuongeza juhudi kisha Mungu nae atakubariki… Wewe ni Moja ya Mfano mzuri kwenye hili, Ulishakuja zaidi ya Mara 10 Tanzania kufanya shows as the Headliner na sikuzote Ulipokewa kwa Upendo, hukuwahi kusikia Standup Comedians wakikuletea chuki ama kuskia Wakisema “Wanaonewa” wala Campaign za “We want 75% Tanzanian Comedians ”…

“WalijiAssess wakaona nini wafanye ili nao kufanikiwa, wakaweka Bidii, Zikaanzishwa ChekaTu, Watu Baki na Platforms Mbalimbali za Standup Comedy ambazo zikazalisha Standup Comedians Wengi, na leo hii nao wananufaika na kazi zao…

“Juzi tu alikuja Bien Tanzania na Watu wamempokea kwa Upendo na Kufanya kazi na Wasanii Mbalimbali… Afrika Mashariki ni Nchi zinazoishi kwa Upendo na Ushirikiano, jitahidi kuhamasisha Upendo na Ushirikiano na kuweka bidii, instead ya kuwafunza wasanii watuwekee chuki maana sio solution ya Kufanikiwa,” Diamond wrote, urging Eric Omondi to focus on fostering unity and hard work instead of stoking animosity.

Diamond’s manager, Sallam SK Mendez, elaborated on the incident, claiming Willy Paul caused chaos by attempting to take the stage during Zuchu’s scheduled performance.

According to Mendez, Willy Paul had earlier refused to perform during his allocated slot but later tried to assert himself as the headliner, leading to a confrontation.

“Nadhani ifike mahali wasanii muwekeze bidii kwenye kazi, kufeki story sababu ya fame ya kulazimisha bifu ili kutrend haisaidii, Msanii aitwae Willy aseme ukweli alikuwa anabishana na mtoto wa kike ( Zuchu ) aliblock njia Zuchu asipande kwenye steji akisema alikuwepo tokea mwanzo hivyo anataka apande yeye, ilhali wakati zamu yake aliitwa apande kwenye stage aligoma na kusema hawezi kupanda yeye ni Headliner anataka Afunge show Mwisho, baada ya kuona wenzake wanapata shangwe akawa anforce kupanda kwenye Muda wa Zuchu na wala sio Diamond. Regarding why Diamond hajapanda is between us and organizer has nothing to do na msanii yoyote. Bless Up 🙏🏽,” Mendez wrote on Instagram.