Renowned Congolese Rhumba star Koffi Olomide found himself at the centre of controversy following his much-anticipated performance at the MZUQA Fest held at Kisumu’s Mamboleo Showground on Saturday, December 14
The event, which drew thousands of fans eager to witness the legendary artist live, left many feeling shortchanged when Olomide took the stage without a live band.
Instead of the electrifying live performance expected of the iconic musician, Olomide opted to sing along to pre-recorded tracks, an approach that sparked widespread disappointment, especially among VVIP ticket holders who had paid up to KSh 15,000 for an exclusive experience.
Fans Express Frustration
The dissatisfaction was palpable, with many attendees taking to social media to vent their frustrations. One fan, disillusioned by the lack of a live band, wrote on X:
“Everything was good until Koffi Olomide appeared on stage armed with just a flash disk, after being curtain-raised by artistes who performed with full bands.”
A viral TikTok video of Olomide recording himself on stage while lip-syncing further amplified the backlash. Viewers criticized the lack of engagement in his performance, with one remarking:
“We paid KSh 15,000 for VVIP tickets, and he’s here recording himself? Surely, can’t he trust anyone else with his phone? Koffi hapa umetuosha.”
Mixed Reactions Online
While some fans placed blame on the artist, others pointed fingers at the event organizers for not providing the necessary arrangements for a full live band.
- Priceless Jewell: “Waste of money, time, and resources…how come he didn’t perform live?”
- Ranking Jeff: “Check with the promoter and see what the contract entails & stop blaming artists sometimes. As soon as I saw Koffi being welcomed solo, my senses went up.”
- Kenyan Advisor: “The organiser did not pay for his band.”
A Fan’s Emotional Moment
Despite the criticism, the evening was not devoid of memorable moments.
A male fan, overcome with emotion, brought the crowd to a standstill when he took to the stage to profess his admiration for Olomide. Dropping to his knees with tears streaming down his face, he cried out, “Mopao, I love you!”
The heartfelt display moved many in the audience, highlighting the deep connection fans still feel for Koffi Olomide’s music, even amidst the disappointment of the night.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles, the debate continues: Was Koffi Olomide solely to blame, or did logistical shortcomings on the part of the event organizers contribute to the letdown? Either way, the MZUQA Fest will be remembered for its mix of passion and controversy, leaving fans hoping for a better experience in future events.
