This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
Buying YouTube views was once a popular tactic among Kenyan musicians, with some artists claiming hundreds of thousands of views in a single day. However, this practice has been largely exposed, and many artists have stopped buying views.
As reported on Ghafla in 2019, artists like Khaligraph Jones and Octopizzo were accused of buying YouTube views during their high-profile beef over who was the King of Kenyan hip hop.
It's now easier to spot fake views, as the interactions on the video, such as likes, dislikes, and comments, don't match the number of views. For instance, a video with a million views would ideally have thousands of comments and likes, not just a few hundred.
Buying YouTube views can hinder the growth of the local music industry, as artists may create a false perception of their popularity. This can lead to a disconnect between their online presence and their ability to draw crowds to live performances.
Kenyan artists should focus on creating genuine content and engaging with their audience, rather than resorting to buying views. With the rise of new-age artists who can achieve real success without buying views, established artists should take note and adapt to the changing music landscape.
