Why is there so much unprofessionalism in the Kenyan music industry?

Someone had to write this post and it might as well be me. Let me begin by saying that I am an artist. I am a filmmaker, writer and a performing poet. I breathe and live art. Artists have a reputation for being free spirits and rule breakers. Dissidents even. That is with good reason. Artists see the world as it is and as it can be and share that vision with the world. They are archivists, prophets and visionaries all at once.

The importance of art cannot be overstated. It is used to entertain, educate and even spread propaganda. It perpetuates the traditions, culture and philosophy of a nation or people and leaves an imprint that future generations can use as a reference point.

Art is also a business and sadly, many artists struggle to make a living through their art. Granted, not everyone will make it in life and that is a fact. It is the unjust nature of the world. It therefore goes without saying that talent alone does not guarantee success. Other factors come into play that have made the music industry a billion dollar industry. Enter the celebrity, draped in diamonds and our adoration.

Let’s get back to Kenya and to music specifically. There has been a lot of talk over the lack of identity or cohesive style that makes Kenyan music identifiable world over. Nigerians, South Africans, Tanzanians and even Ugandans seem to have a sound that is inherently theirs. Kenya does not. Well, this argument is always a long-winded one as the lack of identity is in pretty much everything Kenyan and perhaps rather than trying to force a collective sound, it may be better to promote and celebrate diversity.

Is there good Kenyan music? (Kenyan here referring to the country of origin and not a collective sound.) Yes. Is there bad Kenyan music? Yes. This isn’t unique to Kenya. Thankfully, a lot of new voices have emerged on to the Kenyan music landscape and they’ve brought with them a flair that has been lacking in the industry. The music is bold, passionate and memorable. The performances are energetic and refreshingly rebellious. The industry is growing and this is a good thing. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of professionalism from these new budding artists.

Art is a business and like any other business, an artist must have a strategy and carry themselves with some professionalism. Why would an artist show up drunk to a meeting with a potential sponsor? Why would an artist show up late for their own video shoot? Why would an artist show up late for their own concert? The fact that a lot of musicians simply don’t know what they want is saddening. Why get into it if you have no plans for the future? No wonder one hit turns some of these artists into diva wannabes. Fame is useless if it isn’t making you money and getting you ahead. Longevity by remaining relevant should be the focus. Otherwise, it makes no sense to be talented but unfocused. Talent can only get you so far.

There needs to be an education of the music business. I am no expert but even I can see that something is amiss from my interaction with several artists and other players in the industry. Too many artists want to make money without putting in the work or think that they’ve made it because they have one hit song. Also, the fact that so many artists don’t have managers and don’t even see the need for one is a cause for worry. The notion that a manager just makes money off of an artist like a leech is a false idea. If I was an artist, I would get a manager immediately I started to get somewhere so that I can focus on making music and have someone else do the running up and down and endless negotiating. Would you rather have 50% of 5,000,000 or 100% of 500,000? Brands are built by a team and the lack of collaboration and professionalism, in my opinion, will keep Kenya as an underdog on the African and the worldwide stage.