Things We Want to See in Showbiz in 2014
2013 is slowly drawing to a close and it is without an iota of doubt that the entertainment scene has had its highs and lows; from the steady growth of ‘socialites’ in the industry to the ratchetness that has become a mainstay among revelers at Kenyan events to rise and rise of musicians and actors to the international level.
However, there’s more there’s to be done in the entertainment industry to make it better and compete effectively with ‘big brothers’ like the Naija music scene.
1. Higher priority given to entertainment stuff that enables everybody, especially up and coming artistes, to be physically active.
Let’s face it; penetrating Kenyan music scene is the toughest headache for any upcoming artiste. The entertainment industry in Kenya is a lot more open and competitive. It is not as easy to penetrate the Kenyan markets like in the UK and USA. This is because in Kenya, you have a population of over 42 million people that you want to satisfy. Out of this number, even though you get 500,000 of them on your side, you are satisfied. Because when you have such fan base, it’s enough to sustain you. At least you will be having like a shows per-month.
2. Artists should become professional
I receive a lot emails and texts everyday of artists asking me to “make them famous” then send their audio tracks and that’s the end of the story. Now, listen my good up and coming friends, when you do that where am I even supposed to start from? First of all, I don’t know about you, your photos are a headache to get and thirdly, yes, I will listen to your song but most times I won’t know what motivated you into doing the song! Was it the big-booty’d mami you’ve always lusted for or is it a life experience?
Since Ghafla! is all about “Killing boredom and promoting stardom”, I (and my colleagues by and large) always recommend that when you’re sending your song KINDLY attach your photos, an online link (either SoundCloud or YouTube or any other music site) to your song plus a short and INTERESTING write-up about yourself. That way, it’s easy for me as a writer to publish something about you.
And then, if you can afford it, get a manager. There are a lot of ways, but usually people come out of the woodwork when you start doing notable work, you win some kind of recognition or you make a splash online. You can also cold-call, email submissions to different agencies (though this hasn’t really caught fire in Kenya), approach a prospective manager directly at a gig, or – if the time seems right and the relationship you have is deep — ask friends who might have connections if they would be willing to introduce you. (And always demonstrate your value and gratitude as to why it’s worth them putting their reputation and time on the line for you – don’t ask this of acquaintances.)
Ideally, a manager should take 10-15% of your earnings.
3. Celebrities should take advantage of all the free resources online and realize that the industry is totally different than it used to be.
From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to SoundCloud to YouTube; all these online platforms are free and so as an artist you should have any excuse why you shouldn’t be visible online. These online resources are ridiculously educational for anyone interested in the ups and downs of show business and the comic behind it. Octopizzo, Nonini, Muthoni the Drummer Queen, just to mention a few, are cases of artists who have built entire brands and businesses outside the traditional confines of the entertainment industry.
Online platforms have changed the industry; so is Ghafla! that’s selling directly to fans. So is Twitter. As Uncle Chim always says, “The way the industry is nowadays, no one is going to pick you. Pick yourself instead.”
Am done!
