Kenya, Sept. 16 -- VJ Patelo calls out Willy Paul's payment dispute has captivated Kenya's entertainment scene, with the popular Arban Tone artist publicly accusing the celebrated musician of refusing to compensate him for his appearance in an upcoming music video shoot. In a candid Instagram live session that drew thousands of viewers, VJ Patelo, fresh off his chaotic yet memorable wedding earlier this year, vented frustration over the unpaid gig, claiming Willy Paul ghosted him after a full day of filming in Nairobi's Eastlands.
The revelation, shared amid Patelo's signature flashy style, highlights the gritty realities behind Kenya's vibrant music video production, where collaborations often hinge on verbal agreements and trust in the industry.
The drama unfolded when Patelo detailed how he was approached by Willy Paul's team in late August for a feature role in a yet-to-be-titled track, promising a fee of KSh 150,000 plus transport and meals for the shoot at a Rongai studio.
"I cleared my schedule, showed up early, danced through takes in the heat, and even brought my energy to hype the crew," Patelo recounted, showing screenshots of their WhatsApp chats confirming the deal.
But days after wrapping, his follow-up messages went unanswered, leading to this explosive call-out. Willy Paul, known for hits like "Sitolia" and his recent album, "Beyond Gifted," has built a reputation for high-energy videos blending Afropop and dancehall, but past controversies over royalties with artists like Eko Dydda have made him a polarising figure in Kenyan music circles.
Fans flooded social media with reactions, from clips of Patelo's live rant to memes pitting the two against each other, amplifying discussions on fair pay in music video collaborations.
Patelo, whose real name is Patrick Omondi and who gained fame through viral street anthems and his unfiltered persona, emphasised this isn't about clout but survival in an industry where freelancers like VJs and dancers often get shortchanged.
"I've paid my dues; now it's time artists respect the hustle," he said, tying it to his recent wedding buzz, where he and bride Diana made headlines for their runaway stunt and lavish outfits.
Willy Paul's silence so far has only fuelled speculation, with some insiders whispering about budget cuts for the project due to production delays. This spat comes at a time when Kenyan music is booming globally, with video shoots becoming more elaborate and costly, yet disputes over payments remain common.
Patelo's bold move echoes similar beefs, like Willy Paul's own fallout with collaborators in the past, underscoring the need for written contracts in East Africa's creative scene. As VJ Patelo calls out Willy Paul, the payment dispute lingers without resolution; it serves as a wake-up call for accountability in Kenya's music video world.
With Patelo vowing to share more evidence if needed and fans eagerly awaiting the track's release, this could either mend fences or escalate into a full-blown feud, reminding emerging artists to prioritise clear terms in their rising careers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.