Producer Cedo opens up about Nyashinski fallout and AI's music takeover

Cedric Kadenyi alias Cedo, stands tall among East Africa’s most influential music producers, having shaped the sounds of stars like H_art the Band, Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, and others.

In this interview, he delves into his evolution in the music industry, shares hard-earned insights on longevity, and opens up about his breakup with his long-term friend, Nyashinski.
He also explains the future of production in an AI-driven era.

You have worked with some of East Africa’s biggest names. How do you approach collaborating with such diverse talents?

Each artiste is unique, and that’s the beauty of collaboration. My aim is to help them discover and elevate their sound, rather than impose mine.
When I work with an artiste, the first thing I do is listen—not just to their music, but to their story and vision. For example, H_art the Band brought a raw, poetic vibe that resonated deeply with the youth. My role was to channel that authenticity into a sound that could thrive on radio, captivate audiences on stage, and live in people’s hearts.
With Nyashinski, it was about fusing his lyrical brilliance with beats that could match his energy and storytelling.
It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach.

Is there a project or song you produced that didn’t get the recognition you felt it deserved? Why do you think that happened?

Though I can’t name specific songs off the top of my head, there are projects we’ve poured immense time and effort into—from recording to refining the writing—only for the release to fall short of expectations.
However, I’ve come to realise that the concept of an instant "hit song" is evolving. Some tracks take time to find their audience; they might go viral months or even years later through a TikTok trend or a fresh discovery. Not every song is designed to hit a billion views immediately. Some cater to niche audiences, such as the East African market versus Nairobi’s party scene, and these naturally achieve varying levels of traction. When a song underperforms, we assess. Sometimes we intensify marketing efforts, explore a remix, or simply allow time to work its magic. While numbers can validate a song’s reach and bolster confidence, true fulfilment often comes from hearing how a song has touched someone’s life or helped them through a challenging time.
That, to me, holds a completely different kind of value.

You have built a signature sound that fans instantly recognise. What is your secret?

Honestly, I would say it comes down to consistency. To build anything lasting—whether it’s a sound, a brand, or a career—you have to continuously invest time and effort into it.
It’s about learning from mistakes, embracing new opportunities, and staying committed, even when times get tough. Challenges are inevitable, no matter the field. People sometimes assume creative careers, like producing music, are easier or less demanding than, say, a corporate job. But the reality is, every path has its own unique struggles. It’s tempting to give up when things don’t go as planned, but perseverance is key.
By sticking with it, that consistency builds a solid, recognisable foundation—one that fans learn to identify with and appreciate.

Have you taken steps to protect that sound?

Yes. My sound is copyrighted. Every song we release is documented and protected to ensure that the creative work remains ours.

How do you decide which artistes to work with? Is it about talent, vibe, or what’s your main focus?

Honestly, at the start, it was purely about money. I’d sit in the studio, artistes would pay, and I’d make the music. But I soon realised that approach wasn’t fulfilling or sustainable. So I shifted my focus to working with one artiste at a time to build something more meaningful.
For instance, with Nyashinski, we prioritised live performances alongside studio work to create a complete package. With H_art The Band, the aim was to expand their brand beyond their niche fanbase and into mainstream households—the kind of music people enjoy on a Sunday afternoon or a random Monday evening.
Each artiste’s journey is unique. It’s about understanding what they bring to the table and figuring out how I can amplify that. From there, we establish a partnership and commit to the process together.

How has intellectual property (IP) or the lack of it affected your journey as both a producer and a musician?

Studying law at university gave me some insight into intellectual property (IP), but our market is still developing when it comes to recognising and compensating creators fairly. Many artistes focus on creativity, leaving the business side, especially IP, as a grey area.
Without clear agreements, misunderstandings arise. I’ve seen cases where an artiste releases a song, only for the producer to claim ownership later, arguing payment was a facilitation fee, not a rights transfer. Even when the law is on your side, enforcement can be difficult.
I’ve personally had to forgo rights to some songs to avoid drawn-out disputes, choosing instead to treat these experiences as lessons. Today, I ensure everything is clarified before starting projects.
Thankfully, newer artistes are better informed, using resources like YouTube to navigate IP issues. Ultimately, the producer-artiste relationship is vital for creating great music.

When a creative partnership ends, especially one that has been successful, how do you handle that?

It really depends on how things end. Sometimes, the chemistry fades, trust is broken, or one side feels wronged, making it easier to walk away and avoid future collaborations. Other times, it’s more complex, requiring a mediator—someone neutral and experienced in the industry—to help interpret matters without emotional bias.
For example, producers might withhold project files, while artistes delay payments, leading to messy disputes. I’ve personally enlisted third parties to find resolutions, ensuring each person’s contributions are acknowledged from both business and personal perspectives.
Creative partnerships often evolve beyond business, becoming like family, with shared care for wellbeing, brands, and success. Ending these relationships involves emotional and psychological challenges, as well as significant time investment.
Every situation is unique. Sometimes, space and time are needed before revisiting discussions. If the partnership can’t be salvaged, parting ways cleanly, without burning bridges, is key. It’s all about maintaining professionalism and respect.

In the past, you have faced diss tracks and public criticism from an artiste you have worked with. How did you handle that?

Everyone handles conflict differently, but I believe in prioritising conversations and mutual understanding. When that fails, some people turn to public approaches. While I don’t judge how others deal with disputes, I think calmer, direct resolutions are healthier for everyone involved.
Public feuds can have ripple effects, especially on the next generation. If young artistes see only conflict, they might assume it’s the norm for resolving issues. That’s why I feel it’s important to model better communication.
Ultimately, I can’t control how others respond. I can only offer my perspective and let them decide how they want to proceed. By promoting respectful dialogue, we set a stronger foundation for healthier industry practices, even when emotions run high.

What is your relationship with Nyashinski like right now?

There is been a lot of speculation, and I understand why people are curious. I think we just need to give it time and see what happens next.

There are also rumours that you demanded more than what you contributed. What’s your take on that?

In any deal, it is about "willing buyer, willing seller."
I know my worth and what I bring to the table, and I set my values accordingly. If a client or collaborator aligns with that, then we move forward. If not, we negotiate or walk away.
Misunderstandings happen. The key is sitting down, figuring out where things went wrong, and deciding if there is a way forward.
I do not believe anyone else should dictate your value. No third party gets to set your worth or cap your potential.

With AI now generating beats and even full songs, do you worry that the role of a producer might become irrelevant? How are you adapting to stay ahead of the curve?

When something comes along that threatens your place in the industry, you can either fight it or figure out how to work with it and AI is not going anywhere. It’s incredibly fast and accessible now.
You can type in lyrics, and within seconds, you have got a full song.
I have seen people release parodies and tracks that were entirely AI-generated. Right now, I am focused on understanding how to harness AI’s potential instead of fearing it.
For example, artistes who might struggle with pitch can now use AI to refine their vocals and sound incredible.
Some people might call that cheating, but honestly, it is just the next phase of music production, like how auto tune once was.
AI can also help with arranging music, generating song ideas, and even layering harmonies. It’s a powerful tool that puts more creative control into artists' hands.
I think the role of producers won’t disappear, but it will evolve.

engigi@ke.nationmedia.com