Singer Azawi is currently experiencing harsh criticism for treating Ray G badly at the Mbarara Comedy Store show over the weekend. Opinions on what could’ve caused this have since surfaced online but the noise is leaning towards the failure of management to follow the event program to the dot.
A video that was posted by this publication shows Ray G following Azawi from backstage to the stage visibly unhappy with Azawi’s decision to perform first. Ray G is seen confronting Azawi backstage and later on stage about who should have the mic to perform first.
T.Paul was performing at University Inn and Ray G was backstage ready to perform as the program line-up indicated he would be the next performer. It was shocking that the MC of the night comedian Kalera called Azawi on stage while Ray G was already there. DJ Lola then switched from Ray G’s song to Azawi’s.
As she was performing, Ray G politely asked her for a word, unfortunately, she declined his request saying, “Lindako nsoke nyimbe,” loosely translated as wait until I first sing. RayG responded with a “kale” meaning okay and went away to wait until she completed her performance. Ray G later came to the stage and performed amidst loud cheers.
The program was disrespected by Azawi and her manager, according to Ray G’s manager. “Nothing much happened except that she chased him off stage. She should have talked to him about performing first backstage instead of using force. We had all waited for long but they went ahead and disrespected the protocol,” Ray G’s manager Joshua Amanya said.
He added, “You see in Mbarara they organize shows and put you on a program and when musicians especially those from Kampala come here, they don’t mind or care about musicians from here, they don’t want to respect protocols, and the set program.”
When asked if he supported the boycott of Azawi music in the West, Amanya replied, “Now it’s all about the fans. I’m not sure what they’ll do, but as Ray G’s management, we are okay. There has been this kind of thing going on for years. When Kampala musicians visit Mbarara, they want to show that they are superior to those around.”
The comedy store schedule was supposed to have Ray G perform before Azawi, but the weather caused some performers to be delayed to reach the venue, so the program was changed.
A majority of social media users have complained that Swangz Avenue’s artiste shouldn’t have such an entitlement.
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