Presidential aspirant, Boniface Mwangi has challenged artists and celebrities to use their platforms with greater conviction, arguing that creatives should be willing to stand publicly for their values even when it risks opportunities or financial gain.
Speaking during an appearance on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Mwangi weighed in on the role of artists in social and political conversations following criticism and online backlash directed at some celebrities during French President Emmanuel Macron’s Kenya visit.
The activist argued that many artists increasingly avoid controversial conversations out of fear that taking a public position could hurt their careers or cost them endorsement deals and opportunities.
According to Mwangi, this trend mirrors what he sees in parts of the global entertainment industry.
“Our artists are becoming the American version of basketballers and musicians who can never say anything wrong about the world because if they do that, they’re gonna lose the bag,” he said.
Mwangi emphasized that art has historically been connected to activism and social change, arguing that creatives possess a unique influence capable of shaping conversations and holding leadership accountable.
He suggested that silence from public figures can sometimes dilute the power of their platforms. To illustrate his point, Mwangi referenced legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, whom he described as someone who sacrificed personal and professional opportunities to defend his principles.
“And he lost his best skills because he took a stand on his convictions and values,” Mwangi said.
For him, artists should be willing to demonstrate similar courage by publicly standing behind causes and leaders they genuinely support. Rather than hiding political beliefs or social positions, Mwangi argued that celebrities should openly express them.
“And actually, I respect Charisma a lot,” he said.
Mwangi specifically praised Charisma for publicly supporting David Maraga.
“He believes in Maraga. He wears Maraga T-shirts and comes out openly about it.”
According to Mwangi, consistency between an artist’s public messaging and their actions matters.
He questioned situations where artists create music criticizing political leadership or social issues but later appear alongside individuals associated with those same structures.
“My problem is, how can you say that the President of Kenya is killing kids and doing these things and sing about it, then meet with someone who’s coming to cleanse his presidency?” he said.
Mwangi argued that public figures should avoid contradictions between their art and their public choices.
“You have to let your music align with your values,” he added.
The activist broadened the discussion beyond Kenya, extending criticism to international celebrities whom he believes avoid taking strong public positions on sensitive issues.
He mentioned music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z, suggesting that even globally influential entertainers sometimes avoid political conversations.
“They’ll never talk about Palestine. They’ll never openly wear Black Lives Matter T-shirts,” he said.
He repeatedly returned to the idea that people should stand firmly behind their beliefs rather than support causes privately while remaining publicly silent.
“Love the person you support openly,” he said.
Drawing from a biblical reference, he cautioned against selective visibility in matters of principle.
