This archive report revisits the fallout from Harmonize’s no-show at the Cheget Festival in Eldoret.
The Tanzanian singer said the blame should not have fallen on him alone. After singer and politician Jaguar criticized him for leaving fans waiting through the night, Harmonize argued that Jaguar had only heard the promoters’ version before speaking publicly.
According to Harmonize, the dispute started with poor organization on the promoters’ side and an unpaid contract amount. He said he had already taken part in roadshows and a sound check, but was later told at 1am that the performance would not happen.
He also said his flight to Eldoret had not been arranged. In his view, the event collapsed because the organizers had not met their obligations.
“Jaguar should have tried to reach out to me as the artiste or even my management like he did to the promoters. Nilihisi kana kwamba Jaguar amenibagua labda kwa sababu sitoki Kenya lakini anafaa ajue kua sisi wote ni wasanii wa East Africa. I respect his work and his music, which I started listening to when I was still in school. Things happen and I would have explained to him so well. He would have gone on radio with information from both sides.”
Harmonize also warned Jaguar to be careful about public comments on fellow artistes, saying his influence carries weight with fans. He described Jaguar as a respected figure, but said he was a leader of artistes, not promoters.
“I felt so bad when I heard about him commenting on radio. Kama msanii, namheshimu sana na pia ni mtu anaheshimika pia na watu, and what he says makes a great impact on people. Yeye ni kiongozi wa wasanii ila sio wa promoters.”
The exchange followed criticism over the failed performance, which had left festivalgoers waiting for Harmonize to appear. The singer maintained that he was ready to perform and that the breakdown came from unresolved logistics and contract issues before the event.
