Is Sauti Sol's "NISHIKE" Too Sexy for Telly?

  "Dont gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold" 

-Bob Marley

Lemme begin by saying that i am a die-hard fan of Sauti Sols so its only right if i did my first post about them.

I remember the first time i watched the 'Nishike' video. The urge to go drink a couple of glasses of cold water or even take a few cold showers was too real. Rewinding and replaying the video was what i did those first couple of minutes not quite believing what i was seeing. From Biens bodyrolls to Mudigi's pull-up antics not forgetting Polycarp's on the floor endeavours and Chimano's on the car 'threesome' (for luck of a better word), this video was nothing but HOT! They dared to be different and it paid off with more than 700,000 views since they released it.

Frankly speaking, i am glad that they decided to do something out of the box and out of the norm. The band of 4 have released hit after hit, winning the hearts of many Kenyans and it was about time they stepped up to the plate and showed us why we love them so much.  For the first time, i felt like the Kenyan Music industry was going somewhere. Somewhere where recognition on a global platform and rubbing shoulders with the giants of global entertainment is bound to happen.

Old news, new news, the video left us feeling some type of way but the music was nothing short of revolutionary.  So much controversy revolved around the video that most people failed to realize the song that was underneath it. A love song for the lovers 'Nishike' fused Sauti Sol's charm with Kagwe Mungai's prowess and the collaboration was amazing. From most people that i have talked to about the song and the views on YouTube, its clear that people think that the song is too western and lacks that Kenyan signature. They might have their reasons for thinking that but i actually believe the opposite.

We are so fixated on our beliefs and opinions that we refuse to be open-minded when it comes to our music and artists. Its no wonder that most artists are afraid of making music that incooperates various styles of music from around the global for fear of back-lash and being accused of 'trying to copy the West'.  They then risk having songs that sound the same and end up compromising their artistry.  It becomes ridiculous after a while and kills moral for any upcoming artist who wants to take that daring step and break the boundaries that we have set for ourselves and pursue their global vision. I believe that its possible to 'sound kenyan' and still 'sound global' at the same time.

Back to the matter at hand, Is it too sexy for telly? i dont think so. It might be uncomfortable to watch with children around or even make you feel squirmish, but what isn't this days. Take for example all those Jamaican and American music videos that have half- naked girls and shirtless men gyrating to lewd lyrics and making suggestive gestures and still get airtime on our television stations. And what about those the Durex adverts with funny sounds and insinuating words during commercials. Why cant we extend the same open-mindedness and courtesy to our local artists?

To Sauti Sol, Keep on keeping on. To me, you are the epitome of what a Kenyan artist should be. Fearless and lovable with a bit of charm and daring attitude to be different from the rest. I salute you and your efforts.

Just a fans' opinion.
Happy Reading!
Esther xx