Mombasa’s music legend Nyota Ndogo, a cornerstone of East African music with her soulful sound, has issued a heartfelt plea to local entertainment bloggers, urging them to stop disrespectful comparisons between veteran artists and newer talents.
In a candid social media post aimed at Pwani Gossip Club and other content creators, the singer expressed frustration over narratives that undermine the legacy of established musicians.
Nyota Ndogo’s appeal stems from a trend where bloggers pit older artists against rising stars, ignoring the decades of experience that pioneers like her bring to the industry.
With a career spanning 25 years, she has shaped Kenyan music with timeless hits and poignant lyrics, earning her a revered place in the cultural landscape.
She finds it unfair to equate her journey with artists who debuted just two or five years ago, arguing that such comparisons diminish the value of her contributions.
Drawing a comparison with Tanzania, Nyota Ndogo highlighted how bloggers there respect veterans like Lady Jaydee, even as younger artists like Nandy thrive.
She noted that Tanzanian media honour the legacy of established figures without pitting them against newcomers, a practice she feels is lacking in Kenya.
This disparity underscores her call for Kenyan bloggers to adopt a similar respect for pioneers who paved the way.
Nyota Ndogo also pointed out the personal toll of these comparisons, which often lead to veteran artists facing insults from bloggers’ followers.
As a seasoned artist and a mature woman, she finds this trend not only irritating but deeply disrespectful.
She stressed that while newer artists may currently dominate, the historical impact of veterans remains undeniable and deserves recognition.
The digital age, while amplifying artists’ reach, has challenges, with some content creators chasing viral engagement through sensationalism.
For Nyota Ndogo, this means enduring comparisons that overlook her hard-earned legacy, prioritising clicks over respect. She urged bloggers to reconsider their approach, warning that continued disrespect could lead her to demand exclusion from their platforms entirely.
by moses sagwe
