Kamba artists Tobby Bisengo, Ben Mbatha popularly known as Kativui, Kenny Bizzoh and Alex Kasau Kisinga (Katombi) have withdrawn from Eastern Talanta awards.
The artists asked their fans not to participate in the awards by voting for them. Taking to their social media, they opened up that they won’t be participating in the awards.
“Just to confirm am not part of Eastern Talanta.. don’t waste your money voting..one text 10 bob, for what? Toeni jina langu kwa hizo upuzi. Who are they? Where does that money go after voting? How do artists benefit from it?” Alex Kasau Katombi said.
“Am not participating in ETA awards this is not to say it is bad to participate, I just feel I’m not in a position to participate this time, I wish the best to all who are participating I wish good luck to all of you. shalom,” Tobby Bisengo taking to Facebook said.
Singer Kenny Bizoh also said that he will also not participate in the awards. Below are some reactions from netizens on the move by the 4 artists.
Sankara Johnson said,” I support you bro Alex Kasau Kulukulu. Someone is trying to enrich himself am telling you.”
MCA Tricky said, “Any form of VOTING should be FREE OF CHARGE !!”
Muthama KE said,” Eastern Talanta Awards you guys are doing a good job, some of these Ukambani artists cannot be assisted. Just ignore them.”
Joseph Kivuva said,” Eastern Talanta Awards I don’t support his opinion but I also have a question, where does the money go? how do the winners benefit from the money?
This is not the first. Which artist have you taken outside Kenya to perform?”
MC Toto added,” Kwa nguniei nye kumantha isyitwa kwi vinya muno – Vote for me because building a brand is not easy.”
Christine Musau added,” In agreement….but no one has forced anyone kuingia nomination…it’s just like betting. Everyone is looking forward to having something on the table..is also a way of socializing and bringing people together…Kila mtu na vision yake..let the upcoming generation enjoy the season….it’s a platform of growth, creation, industrialization, and diversified portfolio of building talent.”
Hours after the three artists declared that they won’t be participating in the awards, popular benga artist Ben Mbatha Kativui also told his fans not to be deceived and should not waste their money. Kativui added that he is not aware of the said awards despite performing in 2021
Katombi was nominated in the male artist of the year category, Bisengo had been nominated in the male artist of the year category, and producer of the year, Kenny Bizzoh was nominated in the MC of the year category while Kativui was nominated in the Kikwetu artist of the year and male artist of the year.
Missed out on the list of those nominated for different categories? Check it out below;
