Music rivals-turned-collaborators Willy Paul and Bahati have joined forces for the first time in their careers, releasing a much-hyped track titled ‘Keki’, which premiered on YouTube on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The duo spared no effort in marketing their joint project, drumming up excitement on social media.
However, the song’s release has been met with a wave of criticism from fans and fellow musicians alike.
A star-studded critique
Among the most vocal critics was Weezdom, a former gospel artiste and one-time signee of Bahati’s EMB Records.
Taking to Instagram, Weezdom did not mince his words, urging the duo to consider hiring professional songwriters.
“What have I just listened to? Wueeeh! Enyewe kila mtu na masikio yake but aiiih, hapo hakuna kitu! Watu watafute songwriters on a serious note! Ama mrudi kwa gospel yetu; at least huku kuna huruma, mtahurumiwa,” he wrote.
While Willy Paul and Bahati’s fans were quick to dismiss Weezdom’s remarks as jealousy, the former gospel artiste doubled down on his criticism, attributing their struggles to a lack of advisors.
“Yohhh, naona kelele nyingi kwamba nisiongee juu kila mtu anajua nilishindwa na uimbaji na usimamizi wa wasanii hawa wote wawili! But what you don’t know is that they are selfish, ndo maana hawana team ya kuwashauri. That’s why kutisha ni ngumu sana kwao… hawana advisers!” he stated.
Industry insiders weigh in
Music producer Vincon The Beat also joined the chorus of disapproval, taking to social media to express his disappointment.
“Weuh, after all that hype. Hiyo ndo track mmesema tuskie? Ei, sawa, sisemi kitu,” he posted.
One fan echoed Vincon’s sentiments, suggesting that the duo should have outsourced songwriters and producers.
In response, Vincon agreed, stating, “You are right, and hapo kwa producers, it doesn’t have to be me. There are many dope emerging producers with fresh new ideas. Mtu asifikirie nataka kazi, mimi niko sawa. I’ve worked with all of them, and they are Kenya’s dope artists & am a very big fan of all of them, but we can do better.”
Ksh3.5 million budget
Despite the backlash, Willy Paul remains unfazed, urging fans to support the collaboration rather than tear it down.
“We shouldn’t hate, sindio? Let’s show love and support. Let’s grow the Kenyan industry. Kama hawa wawili wanaweza weka differences kando wakule Keki pamoja, then mziki yetu lazima ita PAAH,” he posted.
He also revealed that the music video for Keki cost an eye-watering Ksh3.5 million, a significant investment in an industry where budgets for music production are often constrained.
“Spent a clean 3.5 million on this video X my brother @bahatikenya. Kenya is in safe hands now. Keki out now, best of the best,” he wrote.
Bahati, on his part, reacted to the budget with a lighthearted quip, calling Willy Paul a “Msanii Tajiri” (rich artiste).
A hit or a miss?
While Keki continues to trend, the debate rages on: was this an industry-defining collaboration or a misguided attempt at a hit?
Love it or hate it, Willy Paul and Bahati’s latest effort has certainly got everyone talking.
Watch the music video below
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