Why Diamond, Rayvanny Considered Becoming Kenyan Citizens

2 January 2024

[Rayvanny/Mpasho]
Written by Pharis Kinyua

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In a revelation that stunned fans and industry enthusiasts alike, Tanzanian music sensation Rayvanny recently disclosed how he and his former boss, Diamond Platnumz, contemplated acquiring Kenyan citizenship and relocating to Kenya after running into trouble with Tanzanian authorities.

The predicament arose following the release of their collaboration 'Mwanza,' a song deemed unfit for public consumption by the Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA), Tanzania's music regulatory board. The ban left the duo barred from pursuing their musical careers in their home country.

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Rayvanny shared the details of their tumultuous journey during an interview with Willy M Tuva, shedding light on the challenging period that nearly led to a cross-border relocation. "After being banned, Diamond gave me an idea of changing our citizenship so that we become Kenyans. So we came here and started the process of acquiring Kenyan citizenship, but later our government lifted the ban, and our plans stopped there," he revealed.

The ban was a result of the controversy surrounding their song 'Mwanza,' which stirred significant public discourse and led to a prohibition from performing music in Tanzania. The artists, desperate for a solution, considered Kenya as a potential refuge for their musical aspirations.

Rayvanny expressed the stress and confusion they felt during the ban, leading to the drastic idea of acquiring Kenyan citizenship. "You know when you are in trouble, mostly you get a lot of ideas because of being confused and all that," he explained. However, the Tanzanian government's decision to lift the ban and their subsequent series of meetings with Tanzanian authorities prompted a change in plans, putting their Kenyan relocation aspirations on hold.

The duo issued a public apology to BASATA for disrespecting the regulatory body, leading to the lifting of the ban and allowing them to continue their musical endeavors in Tanzania. Despite the initial hurdles, Rayvanny emphasized the government's support, stating, "at the end of the day, the government listened to us, and we were able to continue with our work up to today, and they are very supportive."

Fast forward to June of the current year, BASATA once again cracked down on the duo for performing the outlawed "Mwanza" song during their Wasafi Festival tours across different regions in Tanzania. This time, the board formally banned Diamond and Rayvanny from holding performances both within and outside Tanzania, citing indiscipline and disrespect to BASATA.

The agency's interim executive secretary, Mr. Kayanda, highlighted the severity of the situation, suggesting that defying the state could lead to charges of treason. However, the artists eventually reached a deal with BASATA, allowing the Wasafi Festival to proceed without further disruptions.

Rayvanny's revelation of the potential relocation to Kenya adds a fascinating chapter to the duo's tumultuous journey, showcasing the complex dynamics artists face within the regulatory frameworks of their home countries. While the Kenyan dream may have been deferred, Rayvanny's narrative reflects the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the challenges that arise in the pursuit of artistic expression.