Gengetone singer Slyvia Ssaru, 23, popularly known by her stage name Ssaru Wa Manyaru, had some Kenyans cancel her when she released her banger 'Kaskie Vibaya'.
When I do songs that are considered morally okay, I don't get any opinions, but when I do these kinds of dirty songs, they tend to do well. I mean, look at Kaskie Vibaya, everyone was talking about it. So it is not my fault, I think Kenyans just love 'dirty' songs.
I released a number of more conscious songs including a rhumba song but the fans didn't like them. I released a dancehall song and it wasn't well received either but when I change gears and release the songs that are perceived as dirty, the fans go wild. Dirty songs are the ones that make me the most money, from views to attracting gigs.
By the way, even those who criticised Kaskie Vibaya, is it not true that these things are happening in our society today? Is it not true that older men are dating girls young enough to be their daughters and even financing their lifestyle? Did someone want me to embellish the lyrics?
The Kenyan music industry exploits women. Many women, especially young ones, are promised so much only to be trapped. The main culprits are some of these celebrities with big names. They do not have much to offer except empty promises of how they will show you the way and by the time you realise, you have already had sex.
I make music, but I hate being in places with loud music. Unless I am performing or recording, you will always find me in very quiet places.
Being selected as the youngest artist to join Spotify's EQUAL Music Programme was one of the most humbling achievements of my music career. It came with a lot of opportunities. I mean, being featured on the Times Square Billboard (in New York) is no small feat. People pay to be featured in Times Square and your girl is there, mind you I was only 19. The recognition meant a lot.
Rapper Sylvia Ssaru.
Photo credit: Pool
Being on the Spotify programme also exposed me to a wider audience, introduced me to new markets and made me more visible to foreign artists.
The programme also made it a lot easier for me to do deals with other big brands. More companies were willing to work with me. My streams also increased because I was in their spotlight.
And what did I do? I gave him a taste of his own medicine, but made sure he never forgot my version of character development. I went with the one person I wasn't supposed to be with in the first place. I had to make it painful for him too. I know that every day when he wakes up, all he sees is my face, and that has to hurt. It was a case of aura for aura.
Rapper Sylvia Ssaru commonly known by her stage name Ssaru Wa Manyaru.
Photo credit: Pool
The guy had hurt me so many times that I became so emotionally numb that when I got back at him, I didn't care. I wanted to hurt him. Now, when I remember what I did to him, I feel sorry for him, but I do not regret my actions.
I don't think the relationship was meant to be. It wasn't a question of if, but when we would break up because we were too toxic for each other.
But hey, that doesn't mean I'm not a nice person. I may have a resting b**ch face, but when I love, I love hard.
