This archive report was first published on 22 September 2021.
Kenyan musician Vivian has spoken out about the dark side of the country's music industry, where female artistes are often preyed upon and exploited.
According to Vivian, some men in the industry objectify female artistes, making it a common occurrence.
She shared her own experiences of physical and sexual abuse early in her career, which she believes led to identity crises and self-rejection.
"As a female artiste, the package comes in, the shorter the short, the tighter the boots, the smaller the crop-top. Date the right person. Date someone who will connect you. Meet so and so. It has a lot to do with seeking externally and waiting for people to validate you so that you fit in. And it doesn’t work," Vivian said.
She also alleged that industry gatekeepers try to pimp out female singers to wealthy politicians, further exploiting them.
"Even the person advising you doesn’t know what they are supposed to be doing. Generally, I have really passed through so much. Like people try to pimp you out to politicians because you are pretty. All kinds of absurdities," Vivian said.
Despite her own experiences, Vivian is now promoting her new gospel song, "Nimechoka na Kugambo," and advising young girls to be confident in their own abilities and be their genuine selves.
