Drama Galore at Coast’s Top Awards Ceremony

On Saturday, the biggest awards event at the Coast went down but it could not end without some drama. According to DJ Hover, things did not go well at this year’s Nzumari Awards. 

First of all, emcee, comedian Jalang’o arrived late (at midnight) making the show to commence hours after the scheduled time. Another appalling thing is that artists who were slated to perform did not take to stage that night and those who did only sang one song. This made fans to boil with fury as they demanded to know why they paid to watch Diamond perform as stated in the posters only for him to disappoint them. And to add salt to injury, the “best explanation” the fans got was that since he’s set to perform at SeaFront on 1st of December he could not perform twice.

This year’s event also saw Coast-based artists receiving cold treatment as compared to their Tanzania & Nairobi companions who were given better treatment than them; a repeat of last year’s event held in Malindi. “Guys had their airtickets,accommodation, local transport and drinks paid for. Kumbuka,paid on confirmation to attend the occasion.Now they are enjoying around tukilia sisi! !!!!Tukatae hiyoo…”One Coast-based artist was heard saying.

DJ Hover also added that Coast artist Johnny Skani had an issue with the organizers claiming they used his picture and name on the poster without his consent and was not paid for that either. He immediately took to Facebook to vent his anger. “U put me on your event poster without me knowing.Just know that is a felony…….hey pliz pay me u used my name to pull yo crowd….” posted Skani on his FB timeline. Another industry player, Muscat Moreno also made known his frustrations, “One thing we should understnd, an award is not a gate collection event but a celebration of talents…so after 5yrs what do we have to smile about? Lets be real hizi awards r self centered n they r not building but killing the industry!”

The event organizers are yet to respond to these allegations.