CEO of Kabaka Multi Media Entertainment, Abu Bakar Turay, widely known as “the Kabaka,” has taken a stand against bloggers criticizing Sierra Leone’s music sensation, Drizilik.

In a heartfelt message, Kabaka called for an end to the relentless attacks on Drizilik’s character and talent. He emphasized the need for constructive criticism rather than clout-chasing, acknowledging Drizilik’s exceptional talent and maturity in the industry.

Kabaka listed the perceived “crimes” of Drizilik, highlighting his consistency, hit-making prowess, discipline, and growing international platform. He defended Drizilik’s right to global recognition, citing the success stories of other African artists who have broken through international barriers.

Drawing attention to the envy-driven attacks, Kabaka called for solidarity among Sierra Leoneans, urging them to support Drizilik’s music and resist the negativity perpetuated by certain bloggers. He likened the situation to Burna Boy’s recent call for Nigerian bloggers to cease discussing him online, emphasizing the importance of respecting artists’ boundaries.

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The statement concluded with a powerful call to action, encouraging fans to stream Drizilik’s songs and stand against baseless criticisms. Kabaka vowed to resist any attacks against Drizilik, highlighting that the artist has the right to fight back using his art, just as he did in the hit song “Freetown,” where he addressed the issue with a powerful punchline.

He wrote;

Leave Drizilik alone. I know exactly what you guys are doing. Every time a Sierra Leone tries to be exceptional, you fight hard to kill their dreams. It is ok to blog. It is very ok to critique his craft if you have the ability to understand the art. What is not ok is to clout chase without even grasping the content or concept. It is not his fault that he’s so talented and equally well composed and more mature than many of his peers. Many have mad talent but they are not decorous. For a decade, Benji has maneuvered his way avoiding our nasty politics and sticking to his craft. Give him his flowers.

I told my wife, I will stand by Benji any day. I know what you are trying to do to him. You are trying so hard to destroy his dreams and aspirations. You want him to bow to empty air. Pressure from people who cannot help his trade or match his capabilities. You want recognition and accolades for doing virtually nothing to build him up. It is OK to give your opinion. It is a free space and the data is yours. But what is not OK is to use every opportunity to go to ends of the earth to destroy another simply because they are doing better than you. The world of music like politics, is all about brinksmanship. If you set you yai “Oda man go gi u dull bortu” (in my Central man slangs), you have to man up and accept the realities of your carelessness.

Here are the real and true “crimes” committed by Benji:-
1. He has been consistent in his craft. He has built his brand and has stayed on top of his game.
2. He has released hits after hits. He has proved all naysayers wrong. His hits stand the test of time. “Noto one or two hit wonder” like my brother and colleague, Beloz Esq, will say. Every song from him deserves a second or third listening. That’s genius of him.
3. He has proved to be a disciplined young man. Doesn’t move around looking for unnecessary drama. How many times have you heard his name come up for stupid jokes? In an industry full of predators, he has done very well to maintain decorum.
4. His international platform is gaining momentum. The Salone music “gods” who had sworn that no Salone artiste should ever get global hit songs are very angry. They know it’s only a matter of time now. He will break that glass ceiling. I can bet anything on that.
5. How dare him grant an interview on CNN or BBC? How dare him get on the BET cypher? “After all na Salone man. If u grow tae, na for de do tour upline na u level”. Tours Overseas are “interdit”.
6. The Idris Elba effect. All those who have been before him do not have the privilege of featuring the mega superstar actor, save for Shadow Boxxer. “Why na Benji Idris Elba for de sing or move with from Salone”? Why not him? Can’t you see he’s better than many who have moved the world musically? Can’t you see that this Sierra Leonean gem just needs all of us to get to the best level? Have we forgotten that all it took Nigeria was for 2Face Idibia to change the narrative and today people like Wiz Kid, Davido and Burna have reaped way more from the industry than 2Face?
7. Benji claps back in the best fashion possible. He doesn’t allow himself to be bullied and be cowed into submission by his peers. He fights back with the tools available to him (his pen and his voice). You have given him a reason to clap back. Those who kept quiet, you guys succeeded to destroy. No! We won’t keep quiet this time.

Whilst this post is in no way supporting any disrespect to any particular individual or “blogger”, the lyrics basically asks questions that can be answered by who the cap fits. Are you a broke blogger? Do you make Benji a topic and talk a lot of shit? If the answer is no, it’s not for you. You are exonerated. Even if Benji didn’t rap a bar like that, you will still drag him. Benji is fighting back in the manner he knows best. Rap.

Burna Boy took to his Twitter handle few days ago and asked all Nigerian bloggers to stop posting about him. Positive or negative. He even asked them to name their price. You don’t want to respect #Drizilik but wants him to accord you the respect that you have refused to give him. You hate him from afar simply because he doesn’t want to go to bed hungry anymore. You are a wicked soul. The small boy from Wellington Street and the Albert Academy now flies across the globe. This is hurtful for you as you are still unable to use the new airport.

You are jealous, hateful and envious. You know this and have no intentions to change. You are petty and light skinned. You don’t want a dose of your own medicine. Shame on you. We won’t let you win. Not this time. I am calling on all Central brothers and Sisters and well meaning Sierra Leoneans, please make it a must to stream Drizilik’s songs. We can make a difference for one of our very own. Let’s show love and support. These same bloggers will be defending the “rudeness” of their faves and call it “hip hop”.

By the way, before you come for me, please come proper. Please come correct. “Ar nor go able read boku spelling mistakes o”. Noto posin pay me fees for me law degree.

#Kabaka