This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
As Kenyans, we often find ourselves lamenting the lack of substance in our comedians, artists, and politicians. However, our actions often contradict our words. A case in point is our musical preferences. We complain about the quality of music produced by our local artists, yet we eagerly consume and support those who produce low-quality, ratchet music.
Take, for instance, the contrast between Eric Wainaina and Ethic. Eric Wainaina is a talented musician who produces high-quality music that is both thought-provoking and beautifully composed. His recent project, Gegenwind, is a testament to his dedication to his craft. Despite its quality, however, his music garners relatively few views, with only 1,000 views in six days.
On the other hand, Ethic's music is poorly produced and edited, yet it quickly gains millions of views on YouTube. Their songs are often shot on cellphone cameras, and their lyrics are often vulgar and suggestive. This raises questions about the preferences of Kenyan music fans. Why do we demand quality in our comedians and artists, yet settle for low-quality music?
One possible explanation is that Kenyans have low disgust levels when it comes to music. We are more likely to consume and support music that is provocative and suggestive, rather than music that is thought-provoking and well-crafted. This is evident in the fact that the more vulgar the Kenyan songs, the more beloved they are by the Kenyan audience.
