Bahati and DJ Xclusive exchange words online over the state of Kenyan music

In his post, Bahati challenged his fellow musicians to work together in order to beat out the competition Kenyan music faces from Tanzania and Nigeria.

Sharing a number of screenshots of Kenyan charts dominated by Bongo artists, Bahati said that unless Kenyan musicians find a way to work together, they will keep “curtain-raising” for their neighbours.

"This is the time for Kenyan musicians to stop thinking you can make it alone and simply come together… no solo Kenyan artist can take our sound global on their own that’s a fact," Bahati wrote. 

"We need to work together as a team or else we will keep curtain-raising for our neighbours… look at what they’re doing, they’re coming together and through their unity, they’re taking over home & away!”

From Bahati's verified data, Tanzanian singers Diamond Platnumz, Jay Melody, Ali Kiba and Marioo appear to have completely taken over the Kenyan airwaves.

Bongo stars Zuchu and Mbosso too appeared to be some of the singers that Kenyans were dedicatedly listening to.

In light of this fact, Bahati urged Kenyan artists to rally together in order to 'gain back leadership and respect in African music'.

"Fellow musicians let’s come together if we want to gain back our leadership & respect in African music. If we come together our fans will come together and support us,” Bahati said.

Despite the noble call, which was also supported by Eric Omondi, popular DJ Xclusive called out the former Gospel singer while pointing out that Bahati himself was part of the problem.

While speaking on NRG Radio, Xclusive blasted Bahati's online antics while also calling out his musical credibility.

"I looked at Bahati's whole post and in my mind I was like, 'shut the hell up!' You went from making music to making Tiktok videos ukiwa umevaa nguo za wanawake. You are one of the good musicians we have in Kenya but you're focused more on creating content than doing music!" DJ Xclusive ranted.

A miffed DJ Xclusive told off Bahati, telling him to take a seat and find other topics to explore.

"Aende aendelee kuvaa wig aki dance na Diana... I have nothing against them, but if that's what you've decided to do, fine... But don't come here talking about music! " he said.

After the video did rounds, Bahati has now responded to the DJ, preferring to tame his tongue and adopt a more conciliatory tone.

"Sasa mke wangu Diana ameingilia wapi kwa hii story? Alaaah! Niliongea tuu ukweli kidogo kumbe watu wameingiza feelings..." he wrote. 

"For now sitajibu huyu gathee wa ndevu vile nilikua nimepanga juu boss wake ni rafiki yangu and Big Brother tunaheshimiana sana."

Bahati also noted that, whilst he has maintained good relations with his peers in the industry, he was happy the conversation had started.

"Also in my career I have never disrespected DJs and the media but I'm happy you're all talking... that means the message is home," he wrote.

As of Monday, July 24, Diamond’s new song “Enjoy” featuring Jux remains Kenya’s most-watched YouTube video, ten days after its release.

Infact, Diamond Platnumz takes the third and fourth trending spot with Ali Kiba scooping the second spot.