Work harder! Otile Brown says there is no International artist in East Africa

Kenyan singer Otile Brown has shared his perspective on the current state of the music industry, encouraging artists to step up their game to compete on an international level.

During a recent interview on Oga Obinna TV, the Chaguo la Moyo artist asserted that despite popular belief, there is currently no East African artist considered international.

“This International title, we are going to have to fight for it because right now the industry is stuck. Let nobody lie to you; East Africa, there is no international artist. We are all on the ceiling; there is no international artist,” he emphasized.

Otile pointed out that in the East African scene, no one can be compared to Nigerian singer Ruger, who has achieved remarkable success in a short period.

“Let’s keep it real. If y’all want to keep it real, we have so much work to do. So, let’s not lie that we need to package ourselves and all that noise. There are children that just broke into the limelight the other day, they are not my age mates, people like Ruger and the likes. A child that just came the other day, yet there is no artist in East Africa that can compete with Ruger on the international level,” he expressed.

To address the evident gap in the music industry, Otile urged fellow artists to break their limitations, emphasizing that focusing solely on Bongo music will not propel them onto the international stage.

“East Africa, we have so much work to do. Why is it hard, not just for Kenyan artists, but even for Tanzania and Uganda and everybody? It is because we need to break the ceiling. Let’s start embracing other music genres and all that. Because if it is just Bongo, I can sing for you Bongo until the day after. Even now, if you give me a beat, I can sing for you a really serious song, just give me a studio,” he advised.

Many fans echoed Otile’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for artists to aim higher to compete on an international level. One user named Joedebestt wrote, “Nobody will understand Otile Brown till we say nani East Africa amejaza O2 arena ama Madison Square; you all still won’t understand Otile.”

“He's right. None of these people have global sales. Streams are not sales. Hakuna ameuza records in major music markets like the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, so yes, they aren't international. And don't be fooled when they do international tours. They are entertaining Kenyans and East Africans in the Diaspora tu. Without record sales, you can't call yourself an international artist. Heck, even the mixing and mastering of most of their songs doesn't live up to anything the Grammys or Brits would consider to review, let alone nominate,” added the_financier_swimmer_ashtangi.