This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Kenyan music fans have long wondered how some artists manage to release multiple songs and videos without breaking the bank. The answer, according to Willy Paul, lies in the country's music industry cartels.
On October 7, 2019, Willy Paul took to social media to express his frustration with the industry's current state. In a post that has left many talking, he claimed that cartels are in charge of deciding which songs make it to the top and which events artists are invited to.
Willy Paul's rant, which included a series of expletives, highlighted the challenges faced by artists who refuse to play by the cartels' rules. He alleged that artists who fail to give the cartels a cut of their earnings are often blacklisted and replaced by those who are willing to cooperate.
Despite the challenges, Willy Paul remains optimistic about his career. He has built a loyal fan base and continues to release hit songs, earning him the title of an independent artist.
Willy Paul's comments have sparked a heated debate about the state of the Kenyan music industry. While some artists have come out in support of his claims, others have denied any involvement with cartels.
