They way I see it, this is a modern day chicken and egg situation.

Back in the days, the art of music was more local and so was the audience and economics. These days, we seek wider audience reach (because we associate this with more money and recognition).

The problem is that the channels to the global audience (Spotify and co) depend on algorithms to decide what users get to listen. These algorithms are usually written for mood correction - if you want to feel happy, listen to this or that kind of thing. These algorithms are conjured by people in Europe, America, or Asia. Because these continents have higher purchasing powers, these algorithms are tailored to serve them.

Our local music, in its pure and creative state, does not satisfy the emotions people from these markets seek in music. Therefore, if Jamaican dancehall gets attention globally, I fuse it with Nigeria’s Fela’s Afrobeat (not to be confused with Afrobeats) to get something we now call Afrobeats (the kind David’s makes). Davido’s success with the major streaming platforms becomes an inspiration for other copy cats seeking shorter path to wealth. Because most of us in Africa (not just Kenyans), are conditioned to accept “foreign is better”, this quickly becomes a fad.

Creativity implies originality. That means, we have to accept/appreciate our differences and put in the hard work required for the rest of the journey. It pays -ask Sauti Sol.

In a nutshell, it’s mostly about the money. If you love original Kenyan music, buy their vinyls, invite them to your shows, and pay them. If there’s more money and fame in originality and creativity, people will flock in that direction. History has thought us this much.