‘Lazy’ Musician Steph Kapela Calls Out Kenyan DJs for Killing the Industry

Musician Steph Kapela has launched an attack on Kenyan DJs, accusing them of laziness and negligence for repeatedly playing songs from only about five top artists while ignoring the rest of the industry.

In a passionate social media post, Kapela questioned why deejays have abandoned their role as taste-makers and discovery agents, instead choosing to play it safe with a narrow playlist that leaves hundreds of talented Kenyan artists in the shadows. “Why do deejays play only five artistes? Why is it that deejays try to make it seem like there are no other artistes in this industry?” Kapela posed.

The musician took particular issue with the common excuse that DJs are simply giving audiences what they want. “Why are you guys constantly playing the same music and giving excuses that ‘this is what people are demanding’? You chose the taste of Kenyan music and what people love comes directly from you,” he argued.

Kapela further questioned when DJs stopped discovering new talent, pointing out that discovery was once a core part of their job. “Why did deejays stop the art of discovering artistes? What is your job? When did deejays become so redundant that they cannot introduce the audience to new music?” he asked.

“Why are deejays so lazy? You guys are the people between the musicians and the audience.” He concluded.