Tanzanian singer Phina is getting mixed reactions from fans after announcing her collaboration with Kenyan artist Willy Paul.
Some fans were unhappy with the news, claiming that Willy Paul has been disrespectful to Tanzanian musicians in the past.
A few even said they would unfollow her if the song gets released.Willy Paul’s history with Tanzanian artists has been a bit rocky.
Last year, he had a public fallout with Rayvanny and Diamond Platnumz at the Furaha City Festival, which led to Diamond missing his performance.
More recently, he had an exchange with Harmonize when the singer visited Kenya for the Burna Boy Madfun Xperience show.
As the backlash against Phina grew, Willy Paul responded, assuring Tanzanians that he has no problem with them or their artists.
He explained that he only stood up for himself when a Tanzanian artist disrespected him in Kenya but emphasized that he has nothing against Tanzanians as a whole.
“To my brothers and sisters in Tanzania, don’t believe the rumors that I dislike you or your artists. We are all family and need each other, but I won’t accept disrespect. A Tanzanian artist once disrespected me at home, and I stood my ground. That doesn’t mean I dislike Tanzanians I love you all. My song with Phina is coming out this week,” he said.
Despite the mixed reactions, Willy Paul is focused on his music, confirming that the song with Phina will be released as planned.
Fans are now curious to hear the collaboration and see if it can help bring Kenyan and Tanzanian music lovers closer together.
