Award-winning singer Nasha Travis has shed light on the troubling aspects of Kenya’s music industry.

In a candid interview with Alex Mwakideu and Emmanuel Mwashumbe on Breakfast47, Travis discussed the pervasive issue of sexism that female creatives endure.

Travis recounted an incident involving a prominent male artist who sought to diminish her achievements by requesting sexual favours in exchange for collaboration.

Following her refusal, he openly reprimanded her.

“Ni msanii mkubwa. Alikuwa anataka mambo zingine. Alisema anataka kazi ingine wala sio kazi ya mziki na kwamba hatawahi fanya kazi ya mziki na mimi. Ni fisi,” said Travis.

“Aliwahikuwa katika injili?” pressed Mwakideu. “No” responded the fast-rising Mombasa-bred artist, who is enjoying success with the song “Toto”, before chuckling.

The concerns raised by Travis regarding sexual exploitation in the music industry are echoed by others.

Gospel artist Chuchu in 2020 highlighted the unfair barriers that female artists encounter in Kenya.

Chuchu told Zuqka, “People think a girl cannot succeed on her own unless she is married or exchanging favours. It is even more disheartening when we are viewed as mere sex symbols in gospel circles.”

Chuchu’s sentiments echoed those of Sanaipei Tande, who two years ago shared her experiences with promoters who sought sexual favours in exchange for performance opportunities.

Tande noted that many female artists find themselves in similar situations with DJs and producers.

“I’ve lost shows… There’s casualness in the industry that I could not deal with,” Tande told Spice FM. “A lot of girls would tell me, if you want a DJ to play your song you have to do a little something with him. A producer tells you he can produce a song for you for free lakini kuna vile.”