Legendary genge musician Kendi has said the current generation of female musicians in the country are having it easy, unlike her peers back in the day.
Kendi, one of the pioneer female genge musicians, has recalled the level of disrespect female musicians of her generation were shown when they started out.
“Things are different now. During our time female musicians were perceived as prostitutes. You couldn’t have your songs on rotation without those in charge asking for sexual favours. This was a common at the time and I still see some of the people who asked me for sexual favours running shows,” Kendi said.
READ MORE: Victor Wanyama Sues Shakilla For Defamation
She said her refusal to play ball cost her but she doesn’t regret upholding her morals.
“I’m glad how I was raised. I didn’t have to sleep my way to the top, some of my peers did and indeed their careers took off while mine kind of stagnated before I made it. I think had I given in to their demands I would have probably been much famous than I’m today,” she said.
Kendi also pointed out what has changed now for female musicians whenever they embark on a journey to push their music.
“These days I see some of the producers asking for money to have your song on rotation. During our time it was like some sort of unwritten rule, it had to be sexual favours. Some would even ask for mzinga plus sexual favours. It was very difficult for us,” she said.
READ MORE: Alex Mwakideu poached by Radio 47 after dramatic Milele FM exit
Kendi also cited remuneration as another challenge female musicians of her generation grappled with.
“It did not matter how good you were, or how big your music was. We were always never paid as much as our male counterparts were. Even with promotions, our male counterparts are the ones who had their music pushed more,” she said.
Kendi hailed the late Lady S for leading the way for female artistes back then, recalling how the deceased artiste would confront male counterparts whenever they hustled her for sexual favours.
