Tanzanian singer Ibraah has found himself caught between a dream and a debt he says he cannot afford. In a heartfelt cry for help shared on social media, the young artiste revealed that his current label, Konde Music Worldwide, wants him to pay a staggering TSh 1 billion (roughly Shs 48 million) to be released from his contract.
Ibraah, who was signed by Bongo Superstar Harmonize just a few years ago, now wants out, but freedom, it seems, comes at a steep price.
“Since I started music, I’ve never even touched a quarter of that amount,” Ibraah lamented in a Swahili post on his social pages. “This is beyond me. I’m coming back to you, Tanzanians. Please help me. Whether it’s a five hundred shillings or a thousand, I’m asking for your support.” He appealed.
He went on to say that while he respects Harmonize and does not want any bad blood, the one billion shillings’ clause in his contract is keeping him up at night, and crushing his hope of continuing his music career.
“I don’t want problems with Mzee Konde (Harmonize), but this one-billion shillings’ issue is robbing me of sleep. My fear is losing my talent because I have no other job,” he confessed.
In another post, Ibraah acknowledged his humble background and said he had no shame in seeking help: “I am just a young man from a poor family. I would not have come this far without my fans and the support of people in the arts. Now, I need your help to move forward.” He intimated.
His situation echoes the very path Harmonize once walked himself. After all, the Konde Gang founder had to pay a hefty TSh 600 million (Sh26.8 million) to exit Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi label, which had been instrumental in launching his career. Harmonize was only four years into a 15-year contract when he chose to leave and go solo, a decision that cost him dearly but gave him freedom.
Now the tables have turned. Ibraah is the artiste looking to break free. But with a price tag like that, the question remains: will he get the support he needs, or will his dream be held hostage by a contract