This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
July 19, 2019, marked a day when Victoria Kimani, a Kenyan artist based in Nigeria, released her latest collaboration with Hart The Band, titled Bad Manners. Despite her efforts to make inroads in the local music industry, Kimani's music often fails to connect with the Kenyan audience.
Kimani's brother, Bamboo, made a name for himself in the Kenyan entertainment scene in the early 2000s with the hit song Compe. However, Kimani's music, which caters to her West African audience, has led to perceptions of her as a foreign artist in Kenya.
Many Kenyans view Kimani as a snob and an outsider, which makes it challenging for her to gain traction in the local music industry. Her attempts to promote her music or perform in Kenya often fall flat due to this preconceived notion.
It's worth noting that Kimani has a significant following in both Nigeria and Kenya, but her music often resonates more with West African audiences. This has led to a disconnect between Kimani and her Kenyan fans, who struggle to relate to her music.
Listen to her collaboration with Hart The Band below: