Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has revealed that Kenyan artists are battling untold struggles in silence orchestrated by gatekeepers and manipulators that have thronged the music industry.
Taking to her X account the nominated senator stated that artists are suffering through predatory industry gatekeepers and are being manipulated into entering contracts that steal from them.
“From platforms to prisons, far too many of your favourite Kenyan artists are struggling beyond words, but because of their handlers – you’d never know,” stated Crystal.
The plight of Kenyan artists
She stated that as a result, some of these artists have been forced into drug and substance abuse. She further added that are made famous, but often artists are denied their rightful dues.
“Surrounded by predatory industry gatekeepers, manipulated into thieving contracts, lead down the slippery slope of substance abuse, given the fame but denied their fortune and after they have been chewed up, they are spit out,” added Crystal.
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She urged members of the public to pay attention to the plight of Kenyan artists as it is easy to assume that they are doing well.
Crystal sued music label Sol Generation in 2022 for lack of payment for her contributions to some tracks she did with Sauti Sol.
Crystal Asige sues Sauti Sol
In the lawsuit, Asige wants the court to compel the four members of Sauti Sol; Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano, Polycarp Otieno, and Devin Mudigi otherwise known as Savara, and their record label to disclose the amount of money they made from the songs that Asige took part in.
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She is claiming Ksh.5 million in compensation for the breach of her contract with Sol Generation and the misuse of her work.
Asige joined Sol Generation in February 2019. She collaborated with Sauti Sol on several hits including ‘Extravaganza, ‘Lenga’, ‘Ukiwa Mbali’ and ‘Favourite Song’. She however left the label in November 2019 after she was reportedly asked to leave on the basis of financial issues.
She further accused the label of exploiting her disability for profit.
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