This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
Kenyan music has made significant strides in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of new-age artists. However, not everyone is a fan of the new sound, with some critics labeling it as 'trashy.'
One of the main concerns is that the new music focuses too much on sex, which some argue is misleading to young listeners. However, others argue that this is a natural progression of music and that the artists should be given credit for pushing the boundaries.
As one article pointed out, 'we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the new crop of Kenyan artists simply because of this.'
Instead of dismissing the new sound entirely, critics should focus on pointing out areas where the artists can improve. This could include working on their lyrics or exploring different genres that resonate with them.
Despite the criticism, Kenyan music has never been bigger, with platforms like YouTube giving artists a global audience. In fact, even the early 2000s cannot compare to the current state of the music industry.
So, is Kenyan music really trashy? Perhaps the answer lies in finding a balance between creativity and responsibility. By acknowledging the progress made by new-age artists, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse music scene.
