To make ends meet before making it big in the mainstream market, where the real money is, underground artists have to do some careful planning.
We also had a chart featuring several up-and-coming musical artists who offered advice on how to make it big in the industry.
Viddyman Kenya
The self-proclaimed King of the Street Luo Dancehall is all about making money.
If you think that Viddyman’s income from his second-hand clothing business and his job as a mechanic at a city garage are his only sources of income, you’d be wrong.
Since, in his words, “money is hard to come by,” he is frugal in other ways as well. For example, he sticks to a strict budget and only buys inexpensive yet stylish clothing.
“Ni vigumu kutegemea hustle moja lazima uwe na njia kadhaa za kumake chapaa” Stated Viddyman
His songs include Tich Wati Atiya, Pod Apek and Be Humbe among others.
Rish Mizuka
The calm voiced musician and rapper has kept himself occupied by also partaking in many money minting enterprises.
He also manages properties, owns a barbershop, and sells one-of-a-kind bracelets he designs and makes himself.
Rish Mizuka is an enthusiastic composer who offers his services as a “ghost writer” for other musicians.
“awali nilidhani maisha Nairobi ni rahisi lakini nikapata vitu kwa ground ni different” he lamented.
Rish Mizuka is behind songs like Jiachie,Mama Mia and Unaweza among others.
Nick O’sam KE
A typical city snare When bae isn’t making music or recording it, he’s likely to be found on a building site, where he offers his services as a plumber and electrician.
“Mjengo hits different when you become your own boss yani inafika point unajikasirikia hadi unajiongeza mshahara mwenyewe, huku Kasarani wananiita plumber Nicholas Kamau money is the only language” he wrote in one of his social media postings.
Here are just a few of Nick O’sam’s favorite songs: Fisi Gang, Osiepe, Perepere ft. Vioxii Dede.
How else can a creative person make sense of the world around them? Feel free to add your thoughts to the discussion.
