It’s a new year, time to strategize. There’s loads of great music in Kenya ready to compete in the international market.
There’s no music success ‘Bible’ out there. You create your own path, or learn from others.
As a music and entertainment journalist, below are just a few of the pointers I have been talking about that artists can learn from:
📌INVESTMENT: Music is a business. You need to invest in it. Put in money and time, and anything else.
📌MANAGEMENT: You will not go international without management. PR, Wardrobe and Road managers are part of your team. They are your employees and they need to earn from what they bring on the table. If they can’t help you be a better musician, then fire them and hire new and competent ones.
📌SOCIAL MEDIA: Your social media influence is one of your keys to the world. It’s okay to be a product influencer at home. It pays the bills, but don’t forget what got you there. Most international acts pay attention to what your social media and streaming numbers look like.
📌BROTHER’S KEEPER: Your fellow musician is not your enemy. Competition is key, but animosity will not take you anywhere. If you have capabilities to uplift your fellow musician by sharing contacts of media or other bigger artists for collaborations, don’t hesitate to give them. When they win, you win. You will not sing forever, but that kind gesture will outlive you.
📌RISKS: Just like in business, it’s important to take risks in music. Staying in Nairobi after releasing a hit song is not enough. Travel, create that media tour in London, New York, Lagos, or wherever else you feel you need to promote your music. Reach out for bigger collabos. Davido, Burnaboy or Diamond Platnumz are not gods. They can be reached. Use your contacts to reach them. There are many Kenyans in various influential places out there in the world. If you don’t reach out to them, they won’t come looking for you.
All the best. Make that bold move! You don’t have to follow these pointers, in fact, you can even do better than this. Sky is the limit.
JOHN MOSH MUCHIRI
