Media personality and talent manager Mwalimu Rachel has stirred debate online after criticizing the way some veteran Kenyan musicians attempt to make comebacks in the modern music industry.
Speaking candidly, the outspoken entertainment figure argued that many artists who disappeared from the spotlight for years fail to reconnect with audiences because their music no longer reflects the realities of their current lives.
According to Mwalimu Rachel, several older artists try too hard to fit into youthful trends instead of embracing maturity and authenticity in their music.
“We need to talk. You’ve been out of the game for about 10 years,” she said.
The talent manager painted a vivid picture of musicians who step away from the industry, settle into family life, and later attempt to return while pretending nothing has changed.
“You probably settled down, started a family. You have that dad bod, you know? Your lifestyle has changed,” she stated.
Rachel argued that audiences can easily detect when artists are forcing an image that no longer matches who they are in real life. She particularly criticized comeback songs centered around partying, women dancing suggestively, and trying to portray an overly youthful lifestyle.
“You randomly wake up one morning and announce you’re making a comeback,” she remarked before adding, “I’m surprised.”
The entertainment personality specifically questioned music videos and lyrics where older artists attempt to present themselves as youthful heartthrobs despite living entirely different realities away from the spotlight.
“The context of this song that is doing a comeback is you have sexy women whining their waist for you,” she said.
Rachel went even further, saying audiences struggle to believe such portrayals because the artists no longer authentically embody that lifestyle.
“You are a hot commodity out here in the streets. And you have women writhing and gyrating on you. You are now a sharp boy — no one is believing you. No one,” she declared.
“It would have been different if the context was different and a reflection of the life you’re living now,” she explained.
She encouraged artists returning after long absences to focus on music that reflects their experiences, maturity, and present realities instead of trying to imitate younger generations dominating current charts.
According to her, veteran artists would likely resonate more with audiences if they addressed issues relevant to adulthood, family life, personal struggles, or social issues affecting their generation.
“Touching on topical issues that make sense in your current life,” she said.
Rachel ultimately concluded that artists unwilling to evolve their content risk alienating audiences rather than successfully rebuilding their careers.
“But about women and whining their waist, no sir. No sir,” she stated firmly.
“Either change the context of your music or don’t make that comeback,” she concluded.
