The hustling game

Most artistes rely on gigs for survival. So what happens when they are going through a dry patch? CAROLINE NYANGA finds out.

The show is kicking and fans mob the star while singing along his hooks. But this is not always the case with artistes. In fact, to many it is a mirage as such lofty dreams rarely come their way. Most artistes are struggling to make ends meet after their hit single wanes from the charts.

And with lack of shows most have found the going too tough and resorted to alcohol to soothe their egos. Others have changed high life (living large) with low life waiting and hoping for lady-luck to smile their way, again. In fact, a majority of local musicians are living from hand to mouth while a few rake in the millions.

Kantai

A few years ago rapper Chris Kantai was the toast of the industry with his deep well intoned lyrics. His rap was free flowing and rich in American tweng making many girls drool. And between 2005-2006, Kantai was on top of his game calling shots as shows flowed his way. His hit single, Kantai was on every fan’s lips and he lived large.

But soon the high rolling musician started imbibing one too many. He started misbehaving as the shows started drying up. He sort refuge in his beau Brenda Ngesa’s (back then) home but she was not amused with his drinking habits. It is alleged that Kantai could pop a beer can in her house as early as 9am. Soon Brenda kicked him out and ended the affair as Kantai went to hustle.

" I am currently busy pursuing my projects which I do not wish to disclose." says the rapper who returned home from US in 2004.

We wish him the best considering he has the potential as far as music goes.

Rat-a-tat and Choku

The rapper and the singer once touted as Genge princesses are still trying to cut a niche for themselves almost a decade since they burst into the local music scene. Rat-a-tat might have found fame in Pilipili’s chartbusting single Morale which she was featured but rarely reached the peak of her career with later releases Vitu Na-like and Kama Ningekuwa Chali together with Choku.

These musicians are still going strong working on new songs although not making hits. But all is not lost as they have day jobs to supplement their income. Rat-a-tat works in a five star hotel while Choku works in a financial institution.

Recently, Rat-a-tat released a new collabo, Waambie.

Rat-a-tat maintains that she still gets gigs coming her way although she only gets to choose depending on the event.

Trapee

For Trapee a musician does not require shows every weekend to live well arguing that most local artistes who stage shows on a regular basis are usually underpaid.

"Tell me why would I want to do 10 gigs for Sh15, 000 per show when I can do one major show for Sh200,000," he poses, commending Ogopa Deejays for ensuring that they get quality shows as opposed to pursuing quantity.

Nasty Thomas

The former Deux Vultures member bid showbiz goodbye the moment he tied the knot with his Dubai-based flight attendant girlfriend Josephine in 2006. Although he had many shows coming their way it is rumoured Mustapha got tired of waiting for Nasty after he relocated to Dubai.

But two years down the line Nasty’s marriage turned nasty. Although Nasty refused to divulge details of his career terming it personal, our sources reveal that he is involved in car selling business from Dubai among other small businesses.

QTY

During the Chat Awards Qty was among the few musicians who made a grand entry riding in a stretch limousine that only a few could afford. This prompted questions as to where she gets her money considering she rarely gets shows.

But Qty is quick to explain that she has her own business that enables her earn enough income to survive. "My boutique dubbed Qty Fashions in town has attracted many customers especially the youth eager to sample a variety of new products."

Manga

After releasing Dunda, Fever and Fresh with Habib, he made a disappearing act. But even with no shows coming his way Manga quickly defends himself saying he has been busy working on an album with Ulopa. This aside the musician is said to be concentrating on his flying career, which he describes as time consuming. "I’m a pilot, that’s what I do for a living and music is just a part time career," he explains.

Alex and Santos (former XYZee group)

Famed for the popular hit Panda, Alex and Santos then better known as XYZee were ranked among Kenya’s top artistes. With club bangers such as Tafuta Tafuta and Kinyama, they had many shows coming their way five years ago. However, Alex then left for US, while Santos a part time businessman decided to venture fully into family business.

CMB PREZZO

The only thing that remains iconic about the self-proclaimed king of bling, CMB Prezzo is the swagger.

The El Presidente who burst into the music scene in 2004 with the hit Naleta Action featuring Nazizi is no longer flossing. In his hey days he rapped in one of his songs that his performance fee is just for buying airtime.

Today the he is not being seen in action.