Eric Musyoka, a veteran Kenyan music producer and key figure in shaping the country’s urban sound since the late 1990s, has shared insights on the current state and challenges of Kenya’s music industry.

Having worked with top artists such as Sauti Sol, Juliani, and Octopizzo, and contributed to international film and advertising projects, Musyoka brings a unique perspective on the evolution of Kenyan music from cassette tapes to digital streaming.

Kenya’s Music Scene Today

Describing the industry in 2026 as "eclectic, experimental and fun," Musyoka highlights the freedom today’s artists have to blend genres and explore new sounds thanks to internet access and global music exposure. Unlike previous generations, emerging musicians understand music as a viable career and invest in personal branding and digital storytelling alongside their craft.

Challenges Beyond Talent

Musyoka emphasizes that Kenya does not lack musical talent, but rather struggles with marketing and long-term career building. He points to the Gengetone wave as an example where viral success was not supported by sustainable foundations, causing many artists to fade quickly once the trend passed.

He advises artists to be cautious of overconfidence fueled by hype and to focus on building lasting careers rather than chasing fleeting viral moments.

Global Competitiveness and Industry Growth

Kenyan musicians, according to Musyoka, have the creativity to compete internationally but are held back by limited investment in branding and marketing compared to Nigerian and South African counterparts. He calls for increased resources to elevate Kenyan music on the global stage.

Looking Ahead

Musyoka encourages the new generation to:

  • Build strong personal brands
  • Understand the business side of music
  • Market their work relentlessly
  • Stay authentic
  • Prepare foundations to sustain success beyond viral moments

He also shares his passion for scoring films, appreciating the creative certainty it offers in contrast to commercial music production.

Reflecting on originality, Musyoka admires artists like Wakadinali for their instinctive songwriting that defies conventional rules yet resonates deeply.

Ultimately, Musyoka remains optimistic about Kenya’s music future, urging artists to think bigger and leverage the abundant talent and opportunities available today.