Khaligraph Jones Calls Out Kenyan Artists for Lack of Support

Kenyan rap heavyweight Khaligraph Jones has expressed frustration over the lack of support from fellow artists in the industry.

The rapper, known for his dominance in African hip-hop, recently criticized the tendency of local celebrities to praise his music privately rather than publicly showing support.

In a statement that sparked debate, Khaligraph revealed that while many artists sent him direct messages (DMs) commending his latest hit, they failed to share it on their social media platforms.

“Me hupush project zangu one man, sionangi ma celeb wakiniekea kwa stories for support…” (I push my projects alone, I don’t see celebrities posting me on their stories for support), he lamented.

This statement highlights a broader issue in the Kenyan music industry—lack of collective support among artists. Unlike in other music industries where musicians actively promote each other’s work, Kenyan artists often refrain from public endorsements, leaving their peers to push projects single-handedly.

In the digital age, social media plays a critical role in music promotion. A simple repost, shoutout, or mention from a fellow artist can expose a song to a much wider audience.

Internationally, artists like Drake, Burna Boy, and Davido frequently show love for their peers’ projects, amplifying reach and engagement.

However, in Kenya, Khaligraph’s remarks suggest a different culture—one where musicians privately acknowledge success but hesitate to offer public support. This reluctance could stem from competition, ego, or industry politics.

Following his comments, fans took to social media to share mixed reactions. Some agreed with him, pointing out that Kenyan artists rarely uplift each other compared to musicians in Nigeria and South Africa. Others argued that support should be organic and not forced.

Regardless of the debate, Khaligraph’s frustration sheds light on an ongoing challenge in the Kenyan music scene. For the industry to thrive on a global scale, artists may need to embrace more unity and public support.

Despite the lack of support, Khaligraph Jones continues to dominate the hip-hop scene, consistently dropping chart-topping hits.

His latest release is already making waves, proving that talent and determination can break barriers—even without widespread industry backing.

Do you think Kenyan artists should support each other more? Share your thoughts in the comments!