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Why isn’t Kenyan music a global hit? Everyone’s talking about it. Nigeria has Afrobeats, South Africa has Amapiano, and both are flying high internationally. Meanwhile, Kenya—culturally rich and packed with talent—seems stuck on the sidelines.
It’s easy to blame the usual suspects: no unifying sound, limited resources, or even colonial history. But maybe, just maybe, the real problem lies closer to home. Are Kenyans giving their music the love it deserves?
Take a look at what happens in Nigeria and South Africa. Their DJs, partygoers, and even regular listeners hype their own music like it’s the best thing on the planet. And guess what? The world believes them. But in Kenya? You’re more likely to hear Amapiano and Bongo Flava than Kenyan tracks on the radio or at parties. Even Kenyan DJs seem hesitant to push local music as hard as foreign hits. Why is that?
Blinky Bill, the lead singer of Just A Band, said it perfectly: “We haven’t rallied behind Kenyan music.” And he’s not wrong. Sauti Sol and other Kenyan stars have done amazing work, but they’re often overshadowed, even on home turf. How can the world celebrate Kenyan music if Kenyans don’t start the party themselves?
And it’s not like they’re short on talent or variety. Kenyan music is a beautiful mash-up of styles—from the hard-hitting gengetone to the nostalgic sounds of Benga. That diversity is something no other country can claim. Yet, without local support, it’s hard for those styles to find footing internationally.
But here’s where things get tricky: the industry doesn’t make it easy. Many Kenyan artists can’t afford to make music their full-time job. Studios are underfunded, and opportunities to break into international markets are rare. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem. No industry growth means no income for musicians; no income means fewer full-time artists.
Still, change isn’t impossible. It’s simple, really. Want Kenyan music to go global? Play it, request it, and share it. If Kenyans hype their own songs the way Nigerians and South Africans do, they’ll create that buzz. And buzz matters.
So, the next time you’re at a party or scrolling through your playlist, don’t just reach for the familiar. Try Kenyan. Play it loud, love it harder, and who knows? Maybe that’s all it takes to spark something big.