Mombasa artists have come to the defense of the county governor Hassan Joho over the New Year fireworks concert expenditure that has come under criticism.

This is after Mombasa health workers, who have threatened to down tools tomorrow over an impending two months’ salary arrears, accused Joho over his exorbitant expenditure in the concert at the expense of unpaid staff.

Last week during a media briefing, the Mombasa county health workers questioned why the county had to spend an unidentified sum of money in a new year concert while employees of the county have two months unpaid salaries.

Governor led locals in ushering the New Year in style at the Mama Ngina Waterfront where an array of artists entertained the mammoth crowd who had thronged the grounds for the governor’s final fireworks concert.

Speaking during a media Briefing at the Mama Ngina Water front in Mombasa on Monday, the artists drawn from singers, producers, MCs acknowledged the governor Joho’s contribution towards supporting the industry.

“We have a big contribution to the economy of this country and we should not be understated, we respect the doctors but we ask them to respect our professionals as well,” said Peter Siku Karisa alias P-DAY.

Among the artists who took part in the new year eve concert include Stephanie Khatiera alias Tiera Gee,Ali Hamisi alias Ally B,Esther Mwangala alias Adasa,Peter Siku Karisa alias P-DAY,Yusuf Kombo also known as Susumila among others.

 “People should stop thinking being an artist is a simple thing, we are perturbed by these sentiments by our fellow professionals who have underrated the creative industry by making the sentiments against us,” said Stepahie Khattiera alias Tiera Gee.

Yusuf Kombo also known as Susumila , said what has angered them most is that the artists are still awaiting the balance of their payments while they are being regarded as highly paid.

"Everyone was paid half of the amount according to their market rate, therefore it pains us seeing people say we were exorbitantly paid by the county government at the expense of other employees who are also agitating for their rights,” said Susumila.

Ali Hamisi, alias Ally B thanked the Mombasa governor for his continued support to the music industry, saying the industry is still struggling due to covid-19 disease thus needs much support.

 “The job we do is like another job in any profession, we deserve better and not condemnation since we are still feeling the heat from the disruptions of the coronavirus,” lamented. Ally B.

The coastal stretch showed off a spectacular display of fireworks as the hospitality sector reaped bountifully as it recorded a hundred percent occupancy after two years of incurring losses owing to the covid-19 pandemic pandemic.