Rise and fall

By Chiquitta

The Kenyan entertainment industry is growing in leaps and bounds. A few years ago the idea that actors and actresses would share the podium with singers and rappers seemed far-fetched.

We were used to seeing actors relegated to theatre productions and long running TV soaps aimed at the masses.

Today, the thespians are giving Kenyan music artistes a run for their money in terms of popularity, endorsements and awards. Thespians are finally getting their shine and it seems acting is the next place to presenters and TV hosts.

So everything seems amazing what could possibly go wrong for those with new-found fame?

New kids on the block

You can only be a new kid for so long. After a while another new kid will come into the scene and gun for your spot. They may not be more talented just more in tune with the audience. If your audience has grown and left you behind, you can be sure the new kid will appeal more to his or her generation. The trick is to learn how to appeal to both without losing your market base. There are of course examples of celebrities who have managed to make the transition from teen persona to grown up persona, people like Jimmie Gathu but he is the exception and not the rule.

The ego

The funny thing about upstarts is that they start believing their won hype and that of the fans. They begin to think along the lines of Jay Z’s song Not Guilty: "Before me there were many, after me there will be none, I’m the one!"

Well, that’s Jay Z and this is you with your bit part in a local drama, get over yourself already. The ego and subsequent behaviour will lose you future opportunities. As one pundit put it, be nice to the people you don’t know because they will talk about it, the people you already know don’t feel the need to.

Don’t be fake

Fake meaning trying to be something you are not. You don’t need to be rude to people but you also don’t need to suck up to them.

Sucking up to the so-called media gods will make you lose your self-respect and confidence. If you’re truly good, your talent will shine regardless of whom you know.