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Kenyan music has come a long way. It has
undergone transition over the years and soon we may have a bead synonymous to
our artistes. Music is supposed to be universal. As long as the music is
appealing to the ear, then there is no reason as to people should not listen to
it.
Kenyan music however lacks class. It is sometimes hard to distinguish music
that is meant for a certain group of people who would love to listen to some
specific Kenyan music. Indeed artistes are really trying to churn out good
hits. The problem is they can’t stick to a given genre of music. To them, music
is about what the interesting the public and not about public interest.
Good music can even sway those who are bed ridden and infants who are able to
make sense out of music. The tones and the melody is what excite. Music is like
what honey is to the tongue. Music takes one into a world where he can experience
illusions that are usually in his thoughts.
Failure is the recipe for success. But continuous failure coupled with mediocrity
is a recipe for disaster. Many musicians have perfected the art of rhyming and
rhyme scheme. They know how to tune their vocal cords to sing wonderfully and
be in sync with beats that producers make. Making a beat is easy, but an
outstanding beat requires a seasoned and skilled producer who has the requisite
experience and one who is keen on detail.
Congratulations are in order for the artistes who have put Kenya on the global
map when it comes to music. They are pioneers and though some may have not
received any award, they are really doing us proud. Like our celebrated
athletes, they have made a big mark in exporting our culture globally. It is
worthy recognizing the efforts of musicians like Nameless and Wahu, Sauti Sol
among other musicians who have been nominated or received global awards.
However, the situation is not getting better. We are still stuck in the days of
yore musically speaking. The same artiste who made hits more than a decade ago is
the ones who still rent our radio airwaves. The new crop that has emerged is
not given enough airplay. It is said there are powerful cartels that control
the industry and a new entrant who works at his own whims fears reprisal as the
space available can only cater for few.
There however a certain breed of musicians who have made it a habit of spewing
vitriol and composing divisive lyrics aimed at castigating rival political
rivals of different ethnic origins. It is now ubiquitous and not unheard of find
the musicians spitting expletives in their songs ridiculing fellow Kenyans because
of their political inclination.
However that is a small lot that really has a diminutive effect on the large
population in general. What remains a fact, is that they are influential and
may destroy the fabric of a nation that is sewn on the tenets of nothing but
the pride we have as people of a sovereign nation. That reminds me that we are
a tribal nation and since we regard the tribal affiliation more than the nation
that should unite us, why not. These musicians are speaking about the ills that
we should eradicate. When we keep the mum and fail in giving them the space, it
only means we are sitting on a time bomb that may explode unexpectedly.
The fallen musicians like Daudi Kabaka, Fadhil Williams and a host of other
musicians who sang about society in general did lay the foundation of what was
Kenyan music. They had bands that had global recognition and what they sang is
as relevant then as today though more than five decades.
What is sad is that some musicians are aping the west in terms of the music
videos they produce. We are a conservative nation, a Christian nation and traditional
society that is not ready for lewd lyrics and nudity. We are still caught up in
the realm of whether to let go or not. But we are slowly conforming but it is
not that soon. Change takes time and it will come a time when we shall accept
the change. As at now, our conservative tenets will aid in preserving our
culture and not let our society sink to the dogs as we watch.
The gospel musicians have however not depicting the picture desired of them. As
role models, they should act their part. Engaging in some acts like attending
parties where liquor is served does not auger well. That is not the best place
to spread the word. People high on ale sometimes have coherence and they may
have dilutions. As such judging the crowd cannot be an effort in futility.
All in all, Kenyan music is transitioning. What remains is for musicians to
work on the quality of music that can be appreciated by all and sundry. It
sometimes saddens when we give airplay to foreign music while the foreigners don’t
even play Kenyan music. Everything has an era and there will come a time when
musicians and artistes will not be complaining of being denied airplay time.
Nothing lasts forever. Time is a healer and heals even the most painful of
wounds
