DJs Need to Save Kenyan’s Music Industry
I was saddened when MTV Base announced the nominees for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) and only two Kenyan musicians made it into the list. Well done to Amani and Sauti Sol. Is it that we don’t have music that can stand up to the Nigerian and South African onslaught? Somehow, I think not. I believe there is more than enough good music that could make it onto MTV Base as well as the local channels. However, the missing link is the promoters of the music. Who’s listening to what’s coming out on a regular basis? Who’s sharing music and getting feedback? Of course, as record labels we do this on a regular basis. However, there is one resource that I believe is under-utilized in Kenya, and this resource is the DJs and VJs. A quick look at the leading DJs coming out of S.A or Nigeria will show that while all DJs will play the international club fare, they will always give a sampling of music coming out of their area code. Actually they’re very aggressive about it. I call it DJ imperialism.
Interestingly, these DJs don’t just concentrate on the young, hip artists; they’ll also feature established artists – case in point Mafikozolo (S.A) and Flavour (Nigeria). In my humble opinion, Kenyan DJs ad VJs could be the missing link in the industries quest for regional dominance. Seems logical, so what’s the problem? Well traditionally artists kind of see DJs as their competition. For instance a club owner will find it less costly to hire a DJ/VJ than a full band for gigs, not to mention the logistics PA hire, meals, transport. Artists also seem to perceive DJs as hostile to them, as was revealed at the recent Music Industry Association meeting. Kenyans seem to have a natural aversion to forming strategic partnerships. We’re much happier to draw lines in the sand and get territorial about who has the rights to things. Yet everyone knows the world over that DJs and VJs are potential star builders. A good song in the hands of the right DJ spells nothing but good money.
In spite of this, the majority of good Kenyan music does not leave the live performance realm, even when it is recorded. Witness all the fine music at Blankets and Wine Festival that never gets any airplay. So recently, we asked a well-known DJ what it would take for him to play more local music and he gave us some very basic key tips: Send all releases out with a pic, a short write up and most critically: the three-piece. Now I know many of you will be asking, “What‘s the threepiece?” Well, it’s the song in three standard formats – the full song, the instrumental and the dry vocals. When you send DJs the threepiece, it’s easier for them to incorporate the song into their mixes. This in turn means it’s more likely they’ll take a chance and play the new song.
While on a road trip recently, I brought some local albums along. These included: Dan Aceda, Atemi, Abbi and Kus Ma. As we sampled CD after CD, the guys in the car kept exclaiming – “This is good music! Why don’t we hear this on radio?” “Why do we say Kenyan music is bad quality?” This always happens when I get guys to sample Kenyan music – surprise, incredulity, and the inevitable question on why it’s not on radio. I can’t speak for radio stations, after all they have their set formats and there’s always talk of radio friendly, listener-profile and other stuff that’s frankly beyond my limited understanding of radio. However, recently I’ve been thinking; what could save the Kenyan airwaves from this tyranny of mostly foreign fare? Here’s my two cents: If artists/producers would agree to regularly provide three-pieces of their music, if DJs and VJs would consent to experimenting more with local songs, then maybe Kenyan music would be on its way to dominating Africa’s airwaves more. Ultimately it would be good for business all round. At Sub Sahara Ltd, we’re definitely giving it a go!
Suzanne Gachukia is an accomplished composer, musician, performer and producer of over 300 works in audio and film including: songs, musicals, jingles, documentaries and TV commercials. She is a recipient of a Head of State Commendation (HSC) from His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya. Her career in entertainment began when she launched Kenya’s first urban all-female music group – Musikly Speaking – in 1985, famed for hits like “Jamriambo”. Later her band Zannaziki, would release four albums and a slew of singles. She’s discovered and nurtured Camp Mulla, among numerous celebrated musicians and acts.
By Suzanne Gachukia
don gaga says:
they go with Hype ,this are Wanksta Dejaays -Very ill informed-copy cats-and have a poor sense of how good Music sound- they ride on recycled Artist to cover they face of shame
Dj FX says:
I’m a DJ. There is great Kenyan music out there and I’m not afraid to play and promote it. But also MCSK is a problem. They are harassing DJs and extorting them for high fees when they play Kenyan music at clubd,events,wedding etc. Who would want to play Kenyan music worrying if you’ll be locked up by MCSK and/or police. Let MCSK work with DJ’s to give them affordable fees as majority of Kenyan DJ’s are not paid well.
If this can be worked out I think you’ll see more Djs happy to play Kenyan music. Otherwise I cannot refuse to play a song if its good.Whether Kenyan or international. Also payola is a big problem. There are corrupt DJs just like every other sector of life nowadays.
Dj FX says:
I’m willing to receive and play all good kenyan music. Send to tukayz@yahoo.com
The DJ is very important. I’m surprised people don’t know this
facebook.com/djfxkenya
mtwaparoots says:
Mmmm….food for thought.
Dj pierre says:
your article is purely based on facts(from the artists side) which i totally agree,but there”s also dj’s side of the story which you should research on and you’ll be shocked,…if i was good in writing articles,i could have given you facts or details(from djs side)why there’s that disconnect..i suggest maybe you create a forum where artist and djs can look into the challenges thats affecting our industry.
Jacquelyn says:
Reminds me of #KenyaAt50 celebrations at #UhuruPark where the DJ proudly played Nigerian music for the better part of the night
dj czaar says:
i have been caught by mcsk and i have paid heavy fees for that…so how would you expect me to play kenyan music while i know i am risking ending up in jail..
dj_g says:
@dj czaar izah yoh
am trying to build a career as a dj but this mcsk thing is nasty. …and some locals even dont get into iTunes to allow for purchase and proof ukishikwa