Getting to the next level

By CHIQUITTA

There are plenty of over-rated Kenyan artistes. In fact you can’t leave your house without bumping into one at your front door. They are there by the mere fact that they tailor their image and music for mass production, know people in high places and somehow perform gimmicks that keep them relevant. Some sell out their artistry by bribing their way to the top.

The one thing that most over-rated artistes also have in common is a ticking fame clock. Since they are not relying on their talent and hardwork most of the time, the proverbial 15 minutes time-up is always beckoning. They may try everything including squealing like a wild pig ala Nicki Minaj, but once they are down they are done and the space is once more left open for the next batch of overrated pop artistes.

The underrated artistes are of course a dime a dozen in Kenya. Some are simply locked out because their style is different and others, due to their artistic hearts, find it hard to wear the sales and marketing hat and do a hard sell.

Some and this is what often happens,the giant machine called the industry simply overlooks most. I still don’t understand why radio keeps playing songs by American pop artistes but gives only a few local artistes the gate pass to repeated play. Most stations argue that the music sent in is sub-standard yet they rarely take the initiative to go out there and discover new music or even ask the listeners.

For artistes who are too principled to take the well-trodden route of nude pictures and high living to get attention, here are a few tips...

Get out there

It’s very easy to lock yourself up in the room and immerse yourself in your art but at the same time it’s good to go out there and meet people. Attend events where you can meet like minded people, fellow artistes and people who like art. You don’t have to suck up to anyone just be yourself. More often than not, networking proves more efficient in getting’s one’s brand out there, you may meet someone who will remember your name or fish out your card the next time a friend needs someone for a gig. Sometimes artistes come together to collectively help each other.

Do not compromise

It’s very easy to get sucked up into the industry give and take, which is all well and good until it begins to make you do things you would rather not. Be weary of people who want to use you. If you do anything that goes against your principles, you will be selling yourself and your art short. Keep in mind that the industry is very small and though everyone is prone to mistakes people are more likely to remember the bad instead of the good.

Keep your head up

There are people who will love you and there are those who will not give a rat’s arse about what you are doing. Learn to differentiate between constructive criticism and a plain put down. There are those who will be blunt about what they don’t like while there are others who will focus on your looks, demeanour or way of dressing to pull you down. Do not let it affect your art but also don’t get too caught up in the good hype and forget who you are.