Five Simple Things That Destroy The Careers Of Kenyan Artistes

We’ve gotten used to it here in the 254. Artistes emerge then rock the masses for a few months or years before disappearing again. Their grips on the strings of popularity loosen and unclasp. A few have managed to be consistent but what about the rest? Where are the likes of Flexx, Bobby Mapesa, Wakimbizi, Chiwawa, Mr. Lenny and Marya?Any idea? Me neither. Perhaps we should examine what really kills the careers of Kenyan artistes.

Low work ethic

These streets are filled with many humans who want to reap the fruits but don’t want to put in the work. Serious artistes even sleep in the studio when need be. They keep trying until they get things right. The undeniable fact is that your career as an artist is only as serious as you take it.  Do you work at it as your “job” or do you only work at it occasionally as your “hobby”?  How much work do you really put into it daily?  

In the beginning, having to deal with you friends and family (especially parents) can be particularly tough when it comes to them seeing you as a working artist.  The bottom line however is that they will take you and your art as seriously as they see you taking it.

In other words, if they see you putting in 10-15 hours day after day working not only on your art, but marketing your art as well, they will begin to see you as a “working artist” rather than just their kid who is lost in doing art but should be doing something better.

Life of the party

Dear Kenyan artistes, It’s great to have fun and enjoy the fruits of your labor but losing yourself in merriment is just a recipe for career suicide. Drugs, alcohol and clubbing won’t add any spice to your talent. Many get into the game with the aim of getting more fame and more women instead of aiming to leave a lasting legacy when the time comes to bow down. . If you do your work well, the fun will always follow you.

Leisure should be treated as it’s definition says it should be. Your life shouldn’t revolve around it. I’m pretty sure that if a typical Kenyan artiste is faced with an immediate choice between a booty call and a meeting with a top producer who’s passing by the country, he’ll choose the former. And that’ just sad.

Pride

Many Kenyan artistes fall because they see themselves as too big. In the ‘My President Is Black’ track by Young Jeezy, legendary rapper Nas who is featured says, “No matter how big you can ever be, for whatever fee or publicity, never lose you integrity. For years there have been surprise horses in the stable but are no more.” True words indeed

Do not be the surprise horse that shall only stun for a while then disappear. It’s said that you can be sensational but always choose to be legendary instead. One big hit doesn’t give you enough meat to slap people with. You could have the women and money now but what about 10 years later? Where will you be? Will you be that miserable wreck, boozing all day like a pirate while watching with envy as new guys shine? Be humble; respect all your fans no matter how nagging they are.

Fear and self-doubt

I have spoken to a few artistes before who admit that it’s quite normal to second guess yourself from time to time. You ask yourself questions like “I’m I good enough?” or “Is someone else killing it better than I do?” But in any form art it’s important to believe in yourself. The moment you think you can’t then you won’t. The power lies in one’s mind.

Don’t try too hard to come up with new stuff. Stop trying to constantly reinvent the wheel.  Instead use it, learn from it, model it, and then create your own version of it. Learn from the greats that were there before.  We have all learned our art from those who have come before us. Embrace the proven skills and create versions that are true to you.

Lack of a future plan

The question of, “where do you see yourself five years from now?” is one that can’t be answered by many. Most international acts have career advisors but I can bet that majority of Kenyan musicians don’t. There’s nothing as scary as not knowing where you are going. The thing about lacking a future plan is that new kids with better plans will always pop up and take over. Everyone wants a piece of the cake and if you don’t know how to keep your piece, someone will grab it.

Stay focused. Be that guy that other guys want to be.