Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Rising Bongo Flava star Ibraah has made a desperate appeal to the public after revealing the staggering cost of parting ways with his record label, Konde Music Worldwide. The young singer says he is being asked to pay TSh 1 billion (approximately UGX 48 million) to terminate his contract — an amount he claims is far beyond his reach.
In an emotional message posted on his social media platforms, Ibraah said that while he respects his label boss and mentor Harmonize, the contract has become an unbearable burden.
“Since I started music, I’ve never even touched a quarter of that amount,” he wrote in Swahili. “This is beyond me. I’m coming back to you, Tanzanians. Please help me. Whether it’s five hundred shillings or a thousand, I’m asking for your support.”
Ibraah, who was signed to Konde Music by Harmonize just a few years ago, now finds himself at a crossroads. His desire for creative and professional freedom is being overshadowed by the billion-shilling clause that stands in the way.
“I don’t want problems with Mzee Konde (Harmonize), but this one-billion shillings’ issue is robbing me of sleep,” Ibraah added. “My fear is losing my talent because I have no other job.”
The singer’s heartfelt plea has sparked a wave of discussion within the music industry and among fans, drawing comparisons to Harmonize’s own journey. In 2019, Harmonize paid TSh 600 million to exit WCB Wasafi, the label owned by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. Harmonize’s breakaway came just four years into a 15-year contract, a move that, while costly, allowed him to found Konde Music Worldwide and control his artistic direction.
Now, the roles have reversed. Ibraah is the one seeking independence — and facing the same contractual hurdle that once challenged his mentor.
Industry insiders are watching closely to see whether Ibraah will receive the public or industry support needed to buy his freedom, or whether his career will remain stalled under the weight of the contract.
For now, the artist waits, holding on to hope that the same public that cheered his rise will help rescue his dream.
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