Renowned Kenyan rapper Prezzo shocked attendees when he collapsed during the high-profile launch of The Bahati's Empire reality TV show at the Westwood Hotel on May 6.
The glamorous event, attended by celebrities, media personalities, and graced by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, quickly turned concerning when Prezzo experienced what appeared to be a seizure.
Bahati confronts Prezzo on his collapse
On August 21, during an episode of his new podcast Syllabus of Life, Prezzo hosted fellow musician Bahati, where they discussed various topics, including their musical journeys and personal lives.
READ: Prezzo finally speaks after collapsing at Bahati's reality show launch
Their conversation took a more serious turn when Bahati addressed the 'elephant in the room', asking Prezzo about the incident at the launch.
Bahati jokingly asked if Prezzo had fainted because he was overwhelmed by meeting the Deputy President.
"Lakini kwa launch bana, I was like, President ameona Gachagua aka faint. What was wrong bana? Mi nimekuita bwana, the Deputy is coming; he has to be welcomed by the President! But the President is fainting! What's wrong? You wanna leave power before your time?" Bahati quipped, referring to Prezzo as "President."
Prezzo explains the collapse
Prezzo clarified that his collapse had nothing to do with seeing the Deputy President. He explained that he had been extremely busy in the week leading up to the launch.
READ: Bahati reveals millions spent in producing 'The Bahati's Empire'
According to Prezzo, Bahati had informed him about the event a week in advance and reminded him daily, knowing Prezzo’s busy schedule.
"Wait, let me tell you. Hiyo siku mbele ya mwenyezi mungu, you had told me one week before. Bahati knows me very well to an extent whereby if there is a function he has to tell me a week in advance and during that week he has to call me every day kunikumbusha. There were a lot of things I was doing that week.
"So even on the day of the launch nilikuwa ofisini naendelea pale. Then you called and asked me what time I was arriving. That is when I remembered oh its today! You know I can never let you down, so I hurriedly left. Long story short, si ati nili faint after meeting the DP. That was in the middle of a red carpet interview," he said.
READ: Bahati's speech at Gachagua event sparks speculation of political revival
Prezzo addresses reports of publicity stunt
Bahati admitted that, at first, he thought Prezzo’s collapse might have been an attempt to steal the spotlight from the launch of his reality show.
He mentioned how Prezzo's incident was trending, which made him wonder if it was a deliberate move to divert attention.
"Eh, I was like, alafu kidogo kidogo there was a lot of pressure, so the next day I'm like I'm selling my show, why is Prezzo trying to take my shine? Because you were trending at the top. I was like, na hii ni stori gani sielewi," Bahati expressed.
Prezzo quickly dismissed these speculations, explaining that the seizure occurred during a red carpet interview due to the stress and exhaustion he was under.
"Kuna watu wengi walisema ilikuwa publicity stunt. But when you look at that clip, when we got there because of the Deputy President, there was a protocol. So I allowed everyone to enter, coz I knew you had allocated me a seat. So, when everybody was seated, the red carpet kwa that interview ndo seizure ikanipata. Mimi sina history ya kifafa," Prezzo clarified.
After the incident, Prezzo sought medical attention and was advised that he was overworking himself.
"They told me I am overworking myself. You know at the end of the day, bora I showed up," Prezzo added.
Strong bond between Prezzo & Bahati
Despite the incident, Prezzo took a moment to praise Bahati, noting that he sees a lot of himself in the younger artist, especially in his willingness to take risks.
Their friendship and mutual respect were evident throughout the conversation, with both artists reaffirming their support for one another in their careers and personal lives.