Photo: Elisha Toto
Kenyan hip hop heavyweight Octopizzo has jumped to the defence of Ohangla star Elisha Toto after an X user accused the singer of delivering a dull and lifeless live performance that reportedly drove fans away mid-show.
The criticism surfaced after an X user claimed they attended one of Toto’s recent concerts only to be disappointed by what they described as a “dry” and “lethargic” set.
According to the post, audience members began leaving as early as 1pm, raising questions about Toto’s stage presence and live appeal despite his growing list of popular songs.
But Octopizzo was having none of it.
In a strongly worded response, the rapper argued that Elisha Toto is not built for small, poorly resourced events.
He said Toto’s music is designed for large-scale, high-budget productions that fully capture the depth of Ohangla sound.
Octopizzo revealed that Toto performs with a massive live ensemble of between 18 and 25 band members, adding that many event organisers shy away from covering the true cost of such performances.
According to him, that reluctance is exactly why some shows fail to deliver the full experience fans expect.
He further claimed that Toto performs for up to five uninterrupted hours with a full live band, insisting there are no shortcuts, backing tracks, or compromises when the setup is done right. When production standards are met, Octopizzo said, the performances are “transcendent.”
Drawing comparisons with global music icons, Octopizzo argued that just as Michael Jackson could not be judged based on a club performance, Toto’s artistry should not be measured in the wrong setting.
He stressed that Toto’s music demands space, structure, and an audience that appreciates poetry and live instrumentation.
The online exchange has stirred fresh debate in Kenya’s music scene, with fans split over whether artists should adapt to smaller stages or whether promoters and audiences need to adjust their expectations to match evolving musical artistry.