Fame: Double-edged sword

Fame, often seen as the ultimate goal by many young people in today's society, can be a double-edged sword if not handled with care.

When the spotlight glows at you at an early age, some glamour follows. The designer clothes, exclusive invitations, or even sold-out concerts make your validation in the industry tick. Being famous at this age isn't just about the adoration; it's about the unique opportunities it affords. But beneath that glittery exterior lies a deeper monster if not taken into account properly.

For generations, young celebrities have been creating content that captivates audiences. They quickly amass a sizeable fanbase that catapults them to stardom, but on the flip side, they must balance their stardom while remaining empathetic.

"Handling fame is not an easy thing, especially in the current Kenya's music scene. With the emergence of Gengetone and Urban genres which have been greatly embraced by a youthful generation, young artistes gain fame quite fast.  But with fame comes responsibility, and for these young artistes, navigating the often-turbulent world of celebrity life can be a challenge," says Kenya Holy Hip Hop Chairman, XLVI K. 

"From a Christian point of view, The sudden surge of fame can be intoxicating. Financial rewards, adoring fans, and a platform to express oneself are powerful motivators. Yet, the pressure to maintain this newfound status can lead to temptations: materialism, unhealthy competition, and even a disconnect from one's core values. This is where I think being rounded in Christianity comes in to provide a moral compass. Values like humility, integrity, and service to others are deeply rooted in the faith. By holding onto these principles, young people can stay grounded and navigate the pitfalls of fame," he adds.

“Fame is the worst drug known to man, it’s stronger than heroin when you can look in the mirror and say there I am, and still not see what you’ve become,” raps JAY Z in the song, Lost One of his Kingdom Come album.

While referencing to the same verse, Boniface Mwalii, a seasoned scribe, communication consultant and the President Entertainment Arts Journalist Association Kenya (EAJAK) says, "This verse perfectly prescribes the best way for young people to approach fame. They must handle it with utmost caution and be aware of the consequences it comes with. Like all prominent personalities, young people should use their fame and influence to inspire their peers positively. Having a team of professionals around them to handle roles like accounting, legal affairs, publicity and business management is one way to ensure that."

Suicide, depression, and mental health disorders are becoming common, with the World Health Organisation reporting that hundreds of Kenyans commit suicide yearly.

While achieving fame at a young age may seem glamorous and exciting, the reality is that it can have disastrous consequences if not managed properly.

It is no secret that a while back, at the height of his career, Jimwat struggled with alcohol consumption. The Under 18 hitmaker's road to recovery has been well highlighted in the media. The rapper now is championing a new cause - mentoring the youth. He now runs his foundation, Jimwat Solo Foundation which is set to sensitise the youth against drug abuse. 

According to counsellor and psychologist Judy Nyambura, "Most of the youngsters come to fame knowing that they will earn huge forever. These expectations limit them from planning themselves accordingly. Some of them get into a mental breakdown and later indulge in drugs as an escape."

"Entertainment associations and institutions should create forums that will educate the youngsters through mentorship forums," she adds. 

While some have learnt the ropes of the industry, young creatives are struggling to make it even and depression seems like it is the thing now. 

"Building a brand is emotionally and mentally draining because it takes so long for some. Society shames creatives a lot and I feel creatives who do not have strong self-awareness let the pressure get to them. Creatives should learn how to live within their means," says Femi One.

Femi One emphasises the need for open conversations and stigmatization surrounding mental well-being. She believes that addressing mental health issues is crucial for individuals to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. 

She further advises that as a creative, one should be ready to adapt to any genre and embrace whatever sound and should be open to listening to producers and team members only. Furthermore, No one thrives in isolation. 

"The allure of fame is undeniable. Young minds, fueled by dreams and ambition, can easily become enamoured by its glittering façade. More often than not, Young people people find themselves unprepared but this should not be encouraged," says Agnes, an artiste manager.

The pressure to maintain a flawless image, meticulously crafted for public consumption, becomes a relentless burden.

“Being famous, and being popular comes with a lot of pressure. Society’s eyes are constantly on you. People have opinions about everything — how you talk, what you wear, how you carry yourself. It’s all in the public, and that comes with people’s set expectations of you, even wanting you to move a certain way. Your privacy is gone,” said Shaq The Yungin in an earlier interview. 

"Fame can blur the lines between one’s public persona and real identity. Many celebrities may feel trapped in a role they must play, leading to an identity crisis. Fame is often accompanied by a lot of pressure and expectations, not only from family and friends but also from fans. This can be overwhelming for most creatives, as they are perceived as being perfect and every move they make is scrutinised and questioned. Many of them end up leading two lives, which in most cases leads to depression," says Dennis Njenga, the Managing Partner and Head Of Talent- Kaka Empire.

"Creatives need to remember that they are as human as anyone else and should not be made to live a life of pretence. They should be allowed to simply live their life and enjoy it," he further adds. 

"In Hollywood, they say Fame is a stronger drug than cocaine and even heroin. That is how intoxicating it is. I don’t think there’s a greater formula for dealing with fame. My formula is staying grounded, and remembering where you are from. No one will be famous forever, yes your brand will be there but your peak will not be there forever. So the trick is to stay grounded do your business and know what you’re doing is business, handle it, make sure you invest and find peace," says King Kaka.

He further explains that the word fame does not exist but it is a façade. "The same way you come up with a stage name- like for example Iron Man or Superman, they do not stay in that role forever, they know that it is just a world that does not exist. Don’t hold on to that," he says.

While fame may seem like an attractive prospect for many young individuals, it is essential to recognise the potential pitfalls associated with it.

Without careful consideration and responsible management, fame can have disastrous consequences on the lives of young people.

Aspiring celebrities need to prioritise their well-being, seek guidance from mentors or professionals when needed, and remember that true success lies in maintaining authenticity and integrity amidst the glitz and glamour of stardom.