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.

Santos

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.