{"id":234463,"date":"2026-05-13T17:03:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T14:03:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghafla.co.ke\/ke\/?p=234463"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:03:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T14:03:34","slug":"willy-paul-upset-he-didnt-get-the-call-to-perform-at-macrons-concert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghafla.co.ke\/ke\/willy-paul-upset-he-didnt-get-the-call-to-perform-at-macrons-concert\/","title":{"rendered":"Willy Paul upset he didn’t get the call to perform at Macron’s concert"},"content":{"rendered":"

Willy Paul<\/span><\/span> has sparked conversation online after publicly questioning why he was not among the artistes selected to perform at the Africa Forward Summit Concert<\/span><\/span> held in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.<\/p>\n

The singer shared his disappointment through an Instagram post published shortly after performances from selected Kenyan artistes headlined the high-profile event attended by regional leaders, investors, diplomats, and international guests.<\/p>\n

In his message, Willy Paul suggested he was surprised not to have been considered for the platform, stating that he believed he had the ability to represent Kenya on such a major stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have represented Kenya in a way history would remember. Unfortunately, they did not give me that chance,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

Mixed reactions online<\/h3>\n

His remarks quickly triggered debate across social media, with fans expressing divided opinions.<\/p>\n

Some supporters agreed with the singer, arguing that his influence and popularity in the Kenyan music industry deserved recognition at an international event of that scale.<\/p>\n

Others, however, defended the organisers, saying the final decision on performers ultimately rests with the event planners and creative directors.<\/p>\n

A major platform for African creatives<\/h3>\n

The Africa Forward Summit served not only as a diplomatic and policy forum but also as a platform celebrating African creativity, culture, innovation, and youth empowerment.<\/p>\n

Alongside discussions involving political leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, the summit featured entertainment performances showcasing African music and artistic talent.<\/p>\n

Among the Kenyan artistes who performed was Bien<\/span><\/span>, who took to the stage before delegates that included French President Emmanuel Macron<\/span><\/span> and several senior African leaders.<\/p>\n

For many local musicians, performing at such an internationally attended event is viewed as an opportunity to gain wider continental and global exposure.<\/p>\n

Ongoing debate about recognition<\/h3>\n

Willy Paul\u2019s reaction has once again reignited discussions around recognition within Kenya\u2019s entertainment industry.<\/p>\n

Over the years, the singer has repeatedly argued that despite his commercial success, loyal fan base, and contribution to Kenyan music, he often feels overlooked in major industry opportunities and national events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Willy Paul has sparked conversation online after publicly questioning why he was not among the artistes selected to perform at the Africa Forward Summit Concert held in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The singer shared his disappointment through an Instagram post published shortly after performances from selected Kenyan artistes headlined the high-profile event attended […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6069,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[310],"tags":[61],"class_list":["post-234463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-willy-paul-news"],"yoast_head":"\nWilly Paul upset he didn't get the call to perform at Macron's concert - Ghafla! 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