Upcoming rapper and content creator Diana Bahati has found herself at the centre of heated criticism after releasing her latest music video, which sampled the beat of the late hip-hop legend E-Sir’s 2003 hit Sare.
Instead of sparking nostalgia, the track titled Bibi ya Tajiri drew backlash from both fans and celebrities, many accusing Diana of disrespecting one of Kenya’s most celebrated rappers.
Among the loudest critics was award-winning rapper Khaligraph Jones, who reposted comedian Eddie Butita’s skit mocking the song. In the clip, an actress smashes a vinyl record in frustration, with Butita captioning it, “Si u sareee.”
Khaligraph added his own jab, writing, “Mnakuja sana, mnajiconfuse.”
The post quickly ignited the music scene, with Shrap king Boutross Munene backing Khaligraph with a blunt “Sana jo,” while Sina Noma hitmaker Charisma laughed it off, commenting “eeh wamekuja sana.”
VJ Patelo, known for his outspoken takes, went a step further, accusing Diana of showing no respect for E-Sir’s legacy and throwing harsh words at both her and her husband Bahati. He challenged Kenyan rappers to raise the bar to keep “jokers” from lowering industry standards.
Gengetone artiste Parroty Vunulu also weighed in with a cheeky remark, saying the late E-Sir must be “turning in his grave” after hearing the remake.
Fans on social media echoed the criticism. One user, Colnul Warren, quipped, “Hii ngoma Tanzania wakiona kwisha sisi,” while another, Hassan, dismissed it as clout-chasing, saying, “She will do anything and everything to trend for the week.”
Nicki Bear added, “She will trend and get attention for this song but anajishukishia credibility yake na Kenyan music.”
But Diana was not taking the blows quietly. Responding to Khaligraph’s remarks, she reminded fans that she had already taken aim at him in her earlier single Bibi ya Tajiri.
“Naskia OG ako confused. I enjoyed tearing Khaligraph Jones apart! Izo diss zote amenirushia nilikuwa nashangaa nitarevenge siku gani,” she wrote on Instagram.
She also hit back at Patelo’s comments, dismissing his place in the industry and taking a jab at his fashion sense. “Huyu ni nani amevaa chains mingi mbwakni… Ana addresses Bibi ya Tajiri, the best rapper, a.k.a Mama Lao,” she fired back.