Aspiring Artist Bootcamp: Lessons Kenyan artists must learn!

A month ago i wrote up a piece that sought to give aspiring artists some schooling on navigating the industry.

And today i have been inspired to give all you fledgling artists a second installment to that lesson.

And today’s lesson is on how to handle the media. Many a time we have picked up a magazine or newspaper that has quoted a celebrity or prominent personality only for said person to resurface later vehemently denying having said what was reported.

How does this happen? Actually think about that. It happens when an artist or celebrity meets with a journalist and is in an unprepared state of mind. They say things that they shouldn’t then accuse the media of misrepresenting their comments.

Artists need to actually take time -probably even meditate- and get into a mental state that best suits their situation. Take the time to gather and organise your thoughts before you give an interview. This will help you avoid unnecessary bloopers.

And the last thing Kenyan celebrity personalities need to learn to do is to prepare a press package.

It’s all well and good that you have a song but don’t just send me the lyrics, take the time, put in the effort and send me a complete package: lyrics, some background information and pictures. That way, we can work together to increase your profile.

Thus far the artists i have come across who seem to get this are Jimmy Gait, Holy Dave and Coola Gang. The whole point of Ghafla is to synergies with every industry player -the artist and the fans- to build up the Kenyan entertainment industry. If you want to be taken seriously, carry yourself with some level of professionalism.

That is my humble opinion.