This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
October 31, 2019
Tanzanian singer Harmonize has fired a scathing attack at East African journalists, accusing them of ignoring local music talent.
Harmonize, who has gained a massive following in East Africa, claimed that journalists in the region are quick to support artists from other parts of the continent, but fail to give the same attention to local talent.
"When it comes to promoting our music, it's a war between media outlets. Before an artist even releases a song, they are already wondering which media house to approach. If they go to one, they will be praised, and if they go to another, they will be praised as well. There are many talented artists in East Africa, but the media only wants to speak to a few," Harmonize said in an interview.
He went on to give examples of talented artists who have been overlooked by the media, including Whozu and Marioo, who he claimed have the potential to make it big but are being ignored.
Harmonize also expressed his frustration at the lack of support for local music, saying that it's not impossible for an East African artist to fill a stadium in London, just like artists from other regions do.
However, he believes that the problem lies within the media itself, which is more interested in promoting artists from other regions than giving a platform to local talent.
