My Kenya Music Week Experience

Written by Abraham Mariita, Jamati Entourage - Kenya | Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008 | 

I had been counting months, days, and hours to, The Kenya Music Week (KMW), which kicked off the nation’s greatest music industry show. KMW brought together musicians, producers, promoters, distributors, consumers and other stakeholders in this industry.
 

I could not help but notice the diversity of the attendance as young, old, locals and tourists all gathered with one common interest - music. Usikatsie ngoma, (don’t interrupt the music) was the slogan for the fifth edition of the Kenya music week (KMW).

The event began in 2004, when industry players sought to bring stakeholders together to promote local music, consult and seek avenues to eradicate music piracy.  It was also a way of showcasing local talent which included artists, Achieng Abura, Big pin and DNG who had  all won Kora awards. The awards were also established to promote African Artists and their works internationally and to unite Africa and the Diaspora through music and the arts.

As awards continued to  come out of  the East African region,  the meeting point was now at the KMW in Westlands, Nairobi.  During this year’s event,  exhibitors from Kijiji records caught my attention with their display of awards won by their artistes including Kanji and Astar,  2008 Kora Award nominees alongside  Nameless and Wahu the 2008 MTV MAMA Awards winner, while Eric Wainaina  was represented by his promoter The Rainmaker.

Kenya’s finest production labels ranging from Jomino entertainment, Gatwich Records, Metta Media, Starr Records, Penya, Media Base productions, Tamasha and Kipawa Music LTD, were amongst the over 50 exhibitors present at the KMW. The opportunity to mingle with the beautiful faces and extensive PR, left me breathless and in the hall which was the perfect place.  I was made practically blind when massive speakers I was leaning against began to  vibrate. The stage performances had begun and the once empty hall was now full.

 I managed to step on some shoes as I and other members of the fourth estate pushed through the crowd  to get the best view of the heated podium. After watching upcoming artists perform in the packed hall, I can promise that more awards are going to come from here - putting mainstream artistes on notice of the competition to follow.

“I highly appreciate local talent and I have enjoyed this year’s event”, said Jacky who was enjoying the performance. “Its great”, said Angie, with added  facial expression. I could  not help but notice  the her satisfaction, as  a visitor to the event.  Despite economic effects following last year’s post election violence and the global economic crisis, visitors still streamed in to buy merchandise from their favorite artists and/or get autographs.

“We have had less exhibitors and visitors as compared to last year, this is just reflecting how the year has been with the entire financial crisis, but despite that the event has been successful and we are looking forward to a greater event next year”, Said Mike Strano, Director Kenya Music Week.

Other than recording labels and musicians,  Trint  Music academy was also present as well as , Tattoo sites and local radio stations.  I was able to attend a forum,  inside, the think tanks of the industry. Yes, there were serious people from the music industry discussing issues that affect their specific areas.

The Music Copyright Society (MCSK) was on hand to address the issue of adding levy on audio recording equipment and blank carrier.  It was evident that Kenya was one of the few countries which authorizes copying of music for personal use, which the MCSK disagrees with.

Through Maurice,  chairman MCSK, they wanted copyright owners to be compensated through the levy of audio recording equipment and blank carrier.  As I walked home alone later that evening, everyone could see me grinning from ear to ear, complete with music albums in hands.  Until next year!