Kenyan musician Naiboi has intensified calls for increased local music representation in media, citing persistent industry challenges despite recent progress. The artist referenced his 2018 experience at the Wasafi festival as a turning point, where he observed preferential treatment of international acts over local performers.
"During the 2018 festival, local artists were visibly undervalued," Naiboi stated. "Promoters' evident favoritism toward international acts highlighted systemic issues in Kenyan music industry practices." He emphasized that his advocacy, alongside collaborator Khaligraph, has driven some improvements but acknowledged the work remains unfinished.
Naiboi noted incremental changes in broadcast patterns, citing television and radio stations that previously avoided Kenyan content now incorporating it. "There's progress, but I'm not done fighting for equitable airplay," he said. The artist criticized the industry's historical neglect of emerging talent, vowing to address ongoing disparities.
Sauti Sol member Bien echoed the need for policy enforcement, stating, "Adhering to regulations mandating 80% local content would address many industry imbalances." The discussion underscores ongoing efforts to reshape media consumption practices in Kenya's music sector.
