On Our Own

I was pissed the other day (ain’t I always?) when a friend of mine told me about ex-TPF musicians who were complaining about how their kind of music is not appreciated out there. I felt, as I always do when they do follow-ups on ex-TPF superstars. A lot has been written about TPF that I won’t get into, other than this one bit.

How do you end up opting to become a sales assistant at a Juacali joint in Muthurwa two years after you swore on national television that you believe music is your dream? Better yet, TPF is your dream come true? How?

As you complain do you ever wonder how other musicians out there-Harry Kimani, Abbi Nyinza, Sautisol ever made it? None of them ever started out with as much money, as much fame and most important networks as you do. None.

Why can’t they do what other people do? When we realized that sometimes in this industry if you have no godfathers no one will create a name for you we went out on our own. Organising TwendeLele1 made us realize that it is not as hard as it seems. Your friends and family will support you if you get a venue, decent sound and green grass for a gig. That is all.

To make it worse, yes worse, these ex-TPF people already have a name out there that the lowliest restaurant will want to sponsor as a venue. And even if they are not, if this was your dream there is no excuse. At all.

Kenyans/Nairobians are listening to the same crap everyday on radio. They look up to you for that different taste that they haven’t heard before. They (who are looking for an alternative to fm stations' music) can be found at Open Mic events and Poetry nights. They can be found at weddings and TV shows. They can be found when you curtain-raise at the next Blankets and Wine. They are there at your friend’s album launch. 

There is no excuse. If this was your dream, that is.

If you support DIY musicians, check out what Mumala and the Penya Academy musicians are doing at Dass every month at the Gig Market Facebook page.