Kenyan rap duo Wadagliz known for their hit song Anguka Nayo, have responded to fierce online backlash after performing during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale County. The duo made up of Allan Mojo (Manazz) and Tony Otieno (Kantel) performed their viral track which has garnered over 7.9 million YouTube views, at the national event on Sunday. However, their appearance drew mixed reactions, with some fans accusing them of ‘betrayal’ for entertaining a government event.
Wadagliz found themselves in the middle of a social media storm after their performance. Anguka Nayo had earlier become a symbol of Gen Z frustrations during a period of tense relations between the youth and the Kenya Kwanza government. Many fans saw the song as a reflection of the struggles of Kenyan youth, and their appearance at a government event surprised many.
President William Ruto and other senior officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, joined in as the track played. However, this didn’t sit well with some fans, who took to YouTube to vent their frustration. One user, @charlesmacharia8017, commented, “Traitors!! Hustle zingine zii,” while @justlimo6944 expressed, “This is the last time I’ll listen to your music. Hope you’ve been paid well.”
Wadagliz Duo Defend Their Decision to Perform
Despite the backlash, Wadagliz has defended their performance. In a statement, their manager Mr Michaka urged fans “to stop being too political.” He clarified that the group does not align with any political agenda and was simply paid for a job like other artistes.
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“We don’t have a problem with anyone. We’ll do our job. If people love us, they’ll continue to love us,” Michaka said. He emphasized that Anguka Nayo was never intended as a political anthem, stating that some individuals were trying to politicize the song for their own purposes.
“As much as we contributed to a movement, we’re artists first. We didn’t betray anyone. We’re young artists hustling like everyone else. Anguka Nayo was a song that resonated, but we are not politicians,” Michaka stated.
“Anguka Nayo is a Party Anthem, Not a Political Statement”
According to Wadagliz, the jam which propelled them to fame, was never meant to be political. Kantel, in a previous interview, had clarified that the song was created as a party anthem. The duo aimed to make something fun, upbeat, and easy for their fans to connect with.
“This song was supposed to be a vibe, a party jam. We were shocked to see people interpret it so politically. Mojo and I just wanted people to enjoy it,” Kantel explained. Despite only being in the music scene for two years, Wadagliz’s hit took off beyond their wildest expectations.
Mixed Reactions
While the criticism has been loud, some fans came to Wadagliz’s defense. On social media, users reminded others that the duo had every right to perform, especially given their artistic nature. “This song was never political. Let’s not be too hard on them,” one user commented, standing by the group’s intent behind Anguka Nayo.
Youth activist Kasmuel McOure has also vocally opposed the online campaign aimed at canceling the hip-hop group Wadagliz following their performance at the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
“There is no difference between you and that dictator which you are trying to oust,” he said, adding that Wadagliz had worked hard on their music long before the current political climate and that their hit song, Anguka Nayo was created independently of the protests.
Despite the criticism, the rap duo remains focused on their music. Their manager revealed that they have a new release lined up, teasing fans with the promise of another banger.