Talented Tanzanian musician, Ibraah, has turned to social media to issue a heartfelt plea to his fans and supporters, asking for help in navigating a financial roadblock that threatens his music career.
In an emotional message, Ibraah revealed that he has never earned such a large amount of money in his music journey. The demand to pay 1 billion Tanzanian Shillings (approximately USD 400,000 or 385 million Rwandan Francs) to leave his label, Konde Music Worldwide, puts his career and creative passion at risk. He expressed worries about his talent fading, given his limited options and inability to proceed without peace of mind or personal freedom.
"This situation is overwhelming for me. I am turning back, and I appeal to my fellow Tanzanians. Harmonize is asking for 1 billion Tanzanian Shillings, yet I have never earned even a fraction of that amount in my music career. I beg you to forgive me and pave the way for me. I don’t want to get into conflicts with him, but this financial issue is stealing my peace of mind. I am stressed, my talent is at risk, and I have no other job," Ibraah stated.
This financial struggle mirrors the experience of Harmonize, founder of Konde Music Worldwide, who faced a similar situation when parting ways with Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi label in 2019. Harmonize disclosed that he had to pay 500 million Tanzanian Shillings (approximately 200 million Rwandan Francs) to exit the label without legal conflicts or disputes.
Harmonize admitted he was forced to sell his house, cars, and even take out loans to raise the funds necessary for his independence. Following this, he established Konde Music Worldwide, signing Ibraah as its first artist and launching a series of successful projects. However, this precedent also highlights the expense and complexity of leaving a music label in Tanzania, where contracts often favor the label over the artist.
Ibraah appears to be following the same challenging path but under even harsher conditions, as he claims he lacks the financial success to meet the hefty buyout fee demanded by Harmonize. This ongoing feud puts Ibraah’s career at significant risk.
So far, Harmonize has not responded publicly to Ibraah’s plea. Meanwhile, the musician’s appeal has garnered widespread attention on social media, with fans and followers expressing sympathy and encouraging him through their messages.
Ibraah has shared a contact number for well-wishers willing to support his cause: 6931235 MKWAWA TECH - MIX BY YAS. He joined Konde Music in 2020, making his mark in the Tanzanian music scene with various hit songs, and remains notable as the first signee of the label.
Adding to his plea, Ibraah disclosed that Harmonize is demanding a staggering 1 billion Tanzanian Shillings for him to officially part ways with the label.
One of Ibraah’s social media posts shows a desperate appeal for financial aid to pay off the demanded buyout fee, ensuring the continuity of his music career.
With support from his fans and followers, Ibraah hopes to overcome this financial burden, preserve his talent, and continue creating music without restrictions.