This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on August 7, 2019, a time when Kenyan music was undergoing a significant shift. The rise of artists like Lamba Lolo, Wamlambez, and Pandana had left many wondering why songs with vulgarity were selling more than those with open-ended lyrics.
According to some industry insiders, the key to success lies in understanding the audience's preferences. 'If you want to make it fast in the Kenyan secular industry, do what anthem makers are doing,' a friend of mine once said.
However, experts warn that this trend may be short-lived. 'Kenyans are a hard lot to please,' one observer noted. 'They dance to your tune for a while, then slowly put you in the sides. Reason? Monotony!!!'
Artists like Sauti Sol, Khaligraph Jones, and Willy Paul have managed to capture their audiences for long-term career paths by delivering quality content. Their success is a testament to the fact that music is good through proper content creation.
As an upcoming artist, the question remains: is it worth pursuing short-term gains or focusing on long-term career paths? The answer lies in understanding the needs of your audience and delivering quality content that resonates with them.
