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American star Akon Photo: KBoing.com
A number of Kenyan musicians have been grumbling about Akon's recent visit to Kenya and his Airtel Africa and Trace Music Star partnered mobile music competition in Africa.
Even though the Airtel Trace Music Star competition that is taking place in 13 countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Gabon is meant to tap fresh music talent, a number of established musicians feels it is more profitable to nurture existing talent particularly in the Kenyan scenario.
But more than this, a number of musicians feel Akon was not fair to them during his visit, claiming they sought him for advice, dialogue and possible workshop plans to help an industry he says he is passionate about, all in vain.
"How does Akon come to Kenya and entertain the high and the mighty at private dinners and not spare even one moment for artistes who looked forward to his mentorship? Right now, the Kenyan music scene needs mentors and workshops. That is what all the international artistes do when they go to Tanzania and you can see the results. We can have this new, which is not a bad thing at all, but if the industry is stagnant, how do you expect new talent to thrive?" said a reputable showbiz guru who did not want to be named.
The African Music Talent competition's overall grand prize comprises a recording deal with Kon Live, a distributed label through Universal Music Group, and an intense mentorship programme with Akon in the US.
"In reality, who is the competition benefiting?" wondered one award-winning music star.
