Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has weighed in on the ongoing argument about the mistreatment of Kenyan artistes at the expense of their international peers.

In his statement shared via Instagram, Salasya said Kenyan musicians need to work harder to maintain their relevance and command respect to avoid facing mistreatment.

He argued that most Kenyan musicians don’t put much effort into remaining relevant after releasing their hit songs, which he says has contributed to the disrespect they have to endure during shows that feature other prominent artistes.

“Diamond has recorded over 1000 songs some have picked some haven’t. I want to ask kenyan musicians to work hard. Watoe ngoma mingi and they should work more to compete more and to spend more on their time in studios producing songs and quality songs.

“My research has shown me musanii wa Kenya akisha vuma kwa song moja he relax and starts to clout chase….congratulations to @bienaimesol @octopizzo and @khaligraph_jones ever producing songs the reason they have gained international respect,” the lawmaker said.

Salasya emphasized the significance of pursuing relevance by working consistently to release quality music, rather tan seek sympathy.

“Me as a politician I can’t just seat at my comfort after winning an election. I must now compete with other mps in service delivery and remain relevant .Wasinii tutoe ngoma kalikali tuwache kutafuta sympathy,” he added.

Salasya’s remarks come amid a brewing storm after musician Willy Paul decried what he described as mistreatment at Diamond Platnumz’s Furaha City music festival which took place at the Nairobi Polo Club on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Taking to his social media pages, the artiste lamented that he faced discrimination adding that Tanzanian artistes were prioritised at the event.

“Tanzanian artists are being given priority at this event. This is sad. Mbona Wakenya wanadharauliwa mbele ya wabongo?” Willy Paul stated.

“I’m being mistreated at the event. Wanaweka Tanzanians Waperform. Wanachange vitu last minute. Why are Kenyans allowing this?” he added.

Those who attended the event corroborated his statement saying the ‘Yes I Do’ hitmaker was prevented from getting on stage and Tanzanian artiste Zuchu was invited to perform instead, a move that sparked outrage from the crowd.