Kenya’s vibrant and ever-evolving music scene stands tall with its genre fluidity, cultural depth, and fresh sonic innovation. From the electric pulse of Gengetone and the soulful richness of Afro-fusion to hip-hop, benga, and experimental alté, Kenyan musicians are shaping the sound of East Africa and beyond.
But here lies the paradox: while the sound travels, the money doesn’t.
In a country brimming with talent, most Kenyan musicians struggle to earn a sustainable income from their craft. The reasons are systemic and cultural, ranging from broken royalties structures to exploitative media politics. It’s a frustrating reality for artists who are gaining audiences but not bankability.
Let’s explore some of the reasons behind this disparity and how it can be addressed.
The Broken Royalties System
Royalties are supposed to ensure artists earn whenever their music is played on radio, at events, or in public spaces. However, in Kenya, royalties collection and distribution have been marred by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. Many artists receive shockingly low payouts, despite their music’s widespread use.
Part of the problem lies in outdated systems that fail to track music usage accurately. Additionally, some businesses and broadcasters avoid paying licensing fees altogether, leaving musicians shortchanged.
The role of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) such as MCSK, PRISK, and KAMP should be to protect the financial rights of creators. In practice, however, many artists report receiving royalties that are shockingly low or sporadic at best.
- In 2023, it was reported that artists received as little as KES 1,200 for an entire year despite airplay.
- Lack of transparency in how revenue is collected, reported, and distributed has eroded trust.
- Without digital tracking, most royalties are guessed rather than calculated.
Quote: “I was told my music played, but my bank balance said otherwise.”
The Streaming Dilemma Vs Reality
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Boomplay have brought Kenyan music to a global audience. But the earnings from these platforms are far from sufficient. For example, an artist earns only a few dollars for thousands of streams, and this revenue is often split among multiple stakeholders.
Kenyan artists reportedly earn less than $4 per 1,000 streams.
With low digital purchasing power and expensive data costs, local fans rely heavily on free YouTube views or Telegram leaks.
Artists are often forced to prioritize visibility over monetization.
Case Example: A song with 500,000+ views may only bring in enough to cover a basic video shoot.
The challenge is compounded by the prevalence of illegal downloads and free music-sharing platforms, which further reduce an artist’s income.
Exploitation in the Industry
For many musicians, middlemen such as promoters, producers, and managers play a significant role in their careers. However, some exploit artists, especially those who are new to the industry. From unfair contracts to unpaid performances, exploitation is a common story among Kenyan musicians.
Independent artists, who often lack the resources to negotiate better deals, are particularly vulnerable.
Challenges in Live Performances
Live performances are a critical income stream for musicians worldwide, but in Kenya, artists often struggle to earn from their gigs. Payment delays, unfulfilled contracts, and low pay are rampant in the events scene.
Moreover, the high costs associated with live shows—such as hiring sound equipment and paying band members—make it hard for musicians to profit. Some venues even expect artists to perform for free in exchange for “exposure.”
- There are no standardized gig rates, leaving artists at the mercy of event organizers.
- Lack of unions or regulatory bodies to ensure fair contracts and professional treatment.
- Most musicians wear multiple hats: producer, marketer, and manager—without institutional support.
Observation: Many artists still record in home studios with limited gear and self-fund all creative production.
The Persistent Issue of Piracy
Music piracy remains a major obstacle in Kenya. Songs are widely shared for free via social media, messaging apps, and street vendors, leaving artists with no financial return for their work. While digital platforms are helping to curb this issue, the culture of piracy continues to hurt the industry.
Cultural Perceptions and the Value of Music
In Kenya, music is often seen as a passion rather than a legitimate career. This mindset affects how both fans and industry players treat musicians. Many listeners feel entitled to free music, not realizing the effort and cost involved in creating it.
Changing these perceptions will require ongoing public education and a shift in how the music industry is viewed.
DIASPORA SUCCESS VS LOCAL RECOGNITION
Artists like Karun, Xenia Manasseh, and Blinky Bill have found acclaim abroad, often through international collaborations and diaspora audiences.
Artists face a dual reality: celebrated overseas, struggling at home.
Local reception tends to lag behind until the global community validates them first.
Lack of Institutional Support
Government and institutional support for the arts in Kenya is minimal. Unlike other countries that invest in the creative industry, Kenya lacks sufficient funding, grants, or infrastructure to help musicians grow. Additionally, the absence of strict laws to combat piracy and enforce royalties collection leaves artists vulnerable.
There’s little government policy focused on artist welfare or music industry development.
Music is still seen by many as a hobby rather than a legitimate career path.
The education system doesn’t provide music business or rights literacy.
PAY-TO-PLAY MEDIA CULTURE
Despite the music’s quality, many radio stations and media platforms demand payment for airplay.
- DJs and hosts often function as gatekeepers, sidelining talent who can’t “pay to be heard.”
- “Exposure” is used as currency, undermining the artist’s value.
Result: Only a select few artists consistently break into the mainstream airwaves.
The Path to a Thriving Music Industry
Kenyan musicians have the potential to thrive both locally and internationally, but this will require structural and cultural changes. Transparency in royalties collection, education for artists, and stronger copyright laws are just a few steps in the right direction.
Fans also have a role to play by supporting artists through legal downloads, streaming, and attending live events. By working together, we can create an environment where Kenyan music is celebrated—and fairly compensated.
To create a sustainable music economy in Kenya:
- CMOs need overhaul, transparency, and digital integration.
- Artists must receive media literacy and legal education.
- Media platforms should spotlight talent, not gatekeep it.
- Festivals and brands should fund performances and projects, not just tweet about them.
- Policymakers must craft legislation that protects and rewards creatives.
Kenyan music is rich, but the ecosystem around it remains poor.
The truth is: Kenya does not have a talent problem. It has a structure problem. If systems of accountability, equity, and collaboration are implemented, the music scene can evolve from hustle to harvest.
For Kenya to thrive musically, it must invest in its artists not just emotionally, but economically.
Kenya doesn’t lack talent. It lacks systems, equity, and bold cultural investment. If the industry continues to rely on artists to hustle harder without creating channels for fair reward, we risk losing some of East Africa’s most promising voices to burnout or external shores.
The future of Kenya’s music industry depends not just on visibility — but on sustainability.
This article was submitted by our columnist-at-large , Carlos Oyoma , and the publication was fully developed by the contents team lead.
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