The Struggle of Kenyan Music in Global Breakthrough. : Analysis

The dominance of South Africa and Nigeria in the music industry led to a debate about Kenyan music’s absence on the continental stage. Kenyan music lacks identity and continuity compared to Afrobeats and Amapiano. The disappearance of the unique Benga sound in Kenya was attributed to colonialism and a shift to urban areas. Challenges such as a lack of industry structure and underfunded studios hinder the development of Kenyan music. Artists believe in rediscovering the Kenyan sound to attract listeners and establish a unique musical identity on the global stage.

Analysis:
The article provides a brief overview of the current state of the Kenyan music industry in comparison to the dominance of South Africa and Nigeria in the African music scene. The sources of information are not explicitly mentioned, which may raise questions about the credibility of the claims made in the article. The article highlights the lack of identity and continuity in Kenyan music, attributing it to historical factors like colonialism and urbanization.

However, the article does not delve deeply into the complexities of the music industry in Kenya, such as the diversity of genres within the country, the role of streaming platforms in shaping music consumption patterns, or the impact of globalization on music production and distribution. This lack of depth may oversimplify the challenges faced by Kenyan artists and the dynamics of the music industry in the country.

The article’s focus on the need for Kenyan artists to rediscover their sound and establish a unique musical identity on a global scale is a positive message. However, it overlooks the efforts already being made by Kenyan artists, producers, and industry stakeholders to promote local music and create a vibrant music ecosystem in the country.

Overall, while the article raises valid points about the challenges faced by the Kenyan music industry, its presentation is somewhat superficial and lacks nuance. Readers should seek additional sources and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the Kenyan music scene and the efforts being made to elevate it within the global music industry landscape.

The prevalence of fake news and the political landscape may influence the public’s perception of the information presented in the article. In a context where misinformation is widespread and where political interests can shape narratives, readers should critically evaluate the sources and content of articles to distinguish between accurate information and biased or misleading claims. Additionally, the political environment can impact the development of the music industry through policy decisions, funding allocations, and cultural promotion initiatives.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘No identity’: Why is Kenyan music failing to break through globally?