The Troubling Decline of Reggae Concerts in Kenya

Reggae music has long held a strong presence in Nairobi's vibrant entertainment scene, with weekly "Aluta" parties that can run for up to 36 hours straight.

Last weekend, the city bore witness to a stark contrast in the fortunes of three high-profile reggae acts. Jamaican dancehall star Kranium drew an enthusiastic crowd to the ASK Showground, captivating fans with his hit-filled performance as part of his Higher Life Tour. In contrast, veteran roots reggae icons Burning Spear and Glen Washington struggled to attract sizable audiences to their respective shows. Burning Spear's concert, initially scheduled for the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was abruptly moved to Uhuru Park, with the entry fee waived, leading to a disappointing turnout.

Similarly, Glen Washington, who had been in Nairobi for weeks leading up to his main show, failed to garner a significant audience at the Nakuru Athletics Club. Experts attribute the disparity in attendance to a range of factors. Promoters have been criticized for relying too heavily on an artiste's popularity rather than implementing comprehensive marketing strategies. The lack of proper event planning and promotion, coupled with the challenges of navigating local "politricks," have further exacerbated the situation.

Additionally, the changing musical landscape in Kenya has played a role, with the rise of genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Gengetone, and Arbantone capturing the attention of younger audiences. Veteran reggae DJ Sounds of Riley points to the lack of a well-structured and organized reggae market in the country, which has hindered the genre's ability to maintain its relevance. The high performance fees demanded by some international reggae artists have also been cited as a contributing factor, with promoters struggling to recoup their investments and turn a profit.

This has led to a vicious cycle where high-profile artists are hesitant to perform in Kenya, further diminishing the genre's mainstream appeal. Despite these challenges, reggae music remains an integral part of Nairobi's entertainment landscape, with weekly "Aluta" parties and a dedicated fanbase.