NAIROBI, Kenya — Dyana Cods, dancehall star behind viral hit song ‘Set It’, delivered a profoundly emotional and tear-filled apology during a recent live performance, leaving the audience stunned.
This powerful moment marked a dramatic shift in her recent conflict with fans, which arose from her controversial pro-government statements.
Midway through her set, a visibly shaken Dyana knelt on stage and addressed the crowd with a heartfelt plea.
“I want to apologise to everyone, nawapenda manze. I am sorry for the words that I said that hurt you. Napenda mafans wangu sana, I choose you over any president. I choose you any day. Mmenisamehea ama hamjanisamehea? I love you guys, please forgive me,” she said, her voice trembling as the crowd watched.
This public display of remorse followed weeks of intense online criticism.
The backlash began when the rapper, known for her assertive lyrics and bold persona, used her Instagram Stories to express admiration for the president.
In her now-deleted posts, Dyana defended the Head of State and controversially asserted that “bad governance is better than no governance,” suggesting that Kenyans had limited alternatives but to accept the current leadership.
Her remarks were made at a time when public frustration with the government had reached a critical point, particularly among the youth. Many fans perceived her comments as insensitive and dismissive of the prevalent economic hardships, corruption, and police brutality that have fueled recent protests across the country.
The response was immediate and severe, with hashtags calling for her “cancellation” trending on X (formerly Twitter) for several days. Dyana, who had cultivated a career based on an image of relatability and understanding her generation’s struggles, found herself accused of betrayal.
Critics inundated her comment sections, while others pledged to boycott her music.
Despite the mounting criticism, she remained silent until her unexpected confession on stage.
As she poured out her emotions, a segment of the crowd began chanting anti-government slogans, seemingly torn between embracing her apology and maintaining skepticism regarding her true intentions.
While her emotional delivery may have appeased some critics, for many, questions about her genuine stance continue to linger.
Comments from the public reflected this divided sentiment. “Apology accepted,” Maish David commented. “Zilikuwa zimeshika, sindio?” Kenty aired her view.
“They just hype the president and then come back and just say sorry and we simply forget,” Avenger Q9 commented.
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“Apology bila kusema Wantam is invalid,” Jamrock commented. “kama amekubali wantam we are good to go,” westernee05 added.
Industry insiders suggest that Dyana’s gesture might be part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate her public image, especially as she prepares to release new music.
However, some observers believe her apology was sincere, pointing to the raw emotion she displayed and the inherent vulnerability in publicly admitting fault before an audience.
Regardless of her motivations, Dyana Cods’ profound moment on stage underscored the tension many Kenyan artists currently navigate: the delicate balance between personal convictions and public accountability.
