Burundian musician Lolilo has publicly criticized Tanzanian singer Harmonize over what he described as disrespectful conduct during the artist’s recent appearance in Burundi, saying visiting artists should reciprocate the hospitality they receive from Burundian audiences and musicians.
In a video posted on social media, Lolilo said he wanted to address Harmonize’s show and acknowledged fellow Burundian musician Big Fizzo for repeatedly warning local artists about the importance of how they engage with visiting performers.
“I thank Big Fizzo for the advice you always advise and we never listen,” Lolilo said.
Lolilo, who said he has spent more than 25 years in the music industry, pointed to Burundi’s history of welcoming major regional and international artists.
“We have hosted different kind of musicians and artists with the likes of Diamond Platnumz, Ali Kiba, Professor J, TID, Michael Rose, Chameleon and others,” he said.
According to Lolilo, Burundi has traditionally treated visiting artists with particular respect because of the cultural importance attached to hospitality.
“Because here in Burundi a visitor is honored, sacred,” he said.
But Lolilo argued that hospitality should be mutual, particularly as East African artists increasingly cross borders for concerts and other entertainment events.
“There should be a reciprocity,” he said.
He then directly addressed Harmonize, saying the Tanzanian singer appeared to arrive in Burundi with an antagonistic attitude toward people around him.
“Instead of showing gratitude to the warm welcome you piss them off,” Lolilo said. “Harmonize, you come as if everyone is your enemy and that you have beef with everyone.”
Lolilo urged Harmonize to reconsider his approach.
“It is not good, my brother. You need to rectify that,” he said.
The comments come amid growing cross-border movement of artists within East Africa, where major musicians from Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi regularly perform for audiences outside their home countries.
For Burundi’s entertainment industry, such performances are also important opportunities for local artists to connect with established regional acts and for audiences to participate in the increasingly integrated East African music market.
Lolilo’s remarks, however, highlight a recurring question surrounding regional entertainment: whether visiting artists have a responsibility to respect local audiences, promoters and fellow musicians in the countries where they perform.
The comments also revive Big Fizzo’s calls for Burundian artists to learn from their experiences hosting international performers and to build stronger professional relationships within the regional music industry.
Lolilo did not provide specific details in the video about the incidents he was referring to, and his comments represent his personal account of Harmonize’s conduct.
Harmonize has not, in the statement provided, responded publicly to Lolilo’s criticism.
