In his candid conversation with Bloga Flani on Icon Radio’s SoundCheque, DJ Sticky didn’t just stop at copyright issues; he dug deeper into the industry’s foundation, identifying a “mentorship vacuum” that is stifling the next generation of Kenyan talent.

Sticky pointed out a harsh reality: the Kenyan music scene is currently defined by a widening generational gap. On one side, we have hungry, younger artists entering the fray without a roadmap, often unaware of the business complexities or the discipline required to sustain a career. On the other side, the “mainstream” veterans—those who have unlocked the secrets to longevity—are often too guarded to share their blueprints.

According to Sticky, this gatekeeping stems from a culture of fear. Many established artists view newcomers as direct threats to their market share rather than successors to their legacy. By withholding “secrets to success,” the veterans are inadvertently creating a shallow talent pool where younger artists are forced to reinvent the wheel, often leading to music that lacks the depth and impact of the legendary eras gone by.

This lack of knowledge transfer means that while we have more music being released than ever before, much of it feels fleeting. Without the guidance of those who navigated the industry before the digital age, new acts are missing the “soul” and craftsmanship that made Kenyan music a continental powerhouse in decades past.

For the industry to reclaim its impact, the narrative must shift from competition to collaboration. Mentorship isn’t about creating rivals; it’s about building an ecosystem that can survive beyond a single generation of stars. If the veterans don’t start opening the door, the Kenyan sound risks becoming a whisper in a room dominated by those who were mentored to speak louder.