27/08/2024
I wouldn’t say that I knew much about luck before I got to Starehe. But when I was there, I learnt this crucial lesson in life: Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.
I got involved in music business because I had, and still have friends who are creatives or involved in music industry one or another. Persons like Fakii, Arthur K, Shaffie, Frasha, Team PUNIT, Nonini, Avril, Kanyeria, BigTed, Virani, Team Ogopa DJs, Team Calif Records, Redsan, Marya and many others were very instrumental in my understanding of the challenges the music industry faces – then and now. Initially my involvement was just creating little solutions. Like, I vividly remember when Avril and Marya walked into my office looking for a bulk sms solution.
Over the years, I have made efforts and used a lot of my resources to find solutions. I have faced death threats, been robbed, and called all kinds of names. I have come face to face with the corrupt systems that are in place both in and outside government in as far as music industry is concerned. I can tell you that the mess in the music industry is created intentionally to sustain the corruption and feed the wrong people.
Anyway, I feel like I tried and failed (though it never seems a fail to many). And tried again and failed. Then tried some more and won some and lost some. But still, I haven’t achieved what I dream of. So, I considered it all a fail. In a nutshell there has been wins and losses. Rights and wrongs. I thank God for the lessons. They shape the future.
So, in 2019, I decided to change strategy. Quietly. It’s been 5years of work. During this period, we have created studios, record labels, publishing companies, CMOs, promotion and distribution platforms, everything that is needed to make it work. All aimed at giving a creative (artist) the power to flourish.
On 1st September, we go live with an ecosystem that has taken 5years to build - built out of experience spanning over 2 decades in the music industry.
What is it? – We are going to make it possible for an artist to succeed without having to beg for help. How? By giving artists the power to create, promote and monetise content.
As for you, the music consumer, we will give you a platform to discover, access and enjoy good music. This is what will grow your favorite artists. It won’t stop there. We have created a way for you to consume other kinds of content. You have to see to understand.
What more?, I will be talking about the challenges I have faced and giving my experience, opinion and lessons learnt.
Join me in this new journey. Look out for more updates.
