This week, Nakuru witnessed a well-orchestrated outcry from performing artists. Their grievance; a highly publicised event that did not include any performance from the local artists.

The artists took to social media threatening to rally their supporters against attending the said event. A few hours later, their cries were heard and new posters including some of their names were shared across various social media platforms.

Nakuru witnessed a similar issue during the World Rally Championship safari rally in Naivasha. The rally was planned to culminate in an electrifying concert.

None of Nakuru’s artists appeared on this line up either. This saw youth from Naivasha staging demonstrations while blocking the roads asking to be included.

A number of local acts ended up performing at the Hustler village event courtesy of Talanta Hela, an initiative by the Ministry of Youth affairs, Sports and Arts.

It is unacceptable that a concert can be held in a locality without the intention of including artists from the said town.

The question of whether said event is actually meant to promote talent is rightly asked. How can one promote the talents of a people who will not show up on the stage?

While it is right for the artists to raise their concerns, it must not always come to threats for a bare minimum to be achieved.

Event organisers must make inclusion of local talent a norm. Not doing this only exposes their ignorance.

Include local artists in organised concerts

Author Spotlight

Editorial