Renowned choreographer and TikToker Tileh Pacbro has responded firmly to an upcoming artist who accused Kenyan dancers of being selective in supporting local music challenges.
The aspiring musician had taken to social media, venting frustration that dancers declined to participate in a challenge for his new song simply because he could not afford to pay them.
In his post, the artist compared the situation to how dancers often join challenges for Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz without requesting any compensation.
“Sometimes celebrities aren’t fair,” he lamented. “I have this song that is actually doing good in the Kenyan media, but because I’m an upcoming artist, you can’t do a challenge for my song because I don’t have enough money to pay you. Yet, you do Diamond’s song challenges, promoting him without pay.”
The post quickly stirred debate among creatives, with many arguing that such a mindset reveals an unhealthy sense of entitlement.
They pointed out that exposure alone isn’t sufficient motivation for seasoned performers to invest time and energy.

The award-winning dancer responded candidly, using his platform to share a message directed not just at the artist, but at many upcoming creators who expect support without offering value in return.
“Trust me,” the TikTok star began, “it’s probably this attitude of entitlement that is keeping you and your career from kicking off. You think people don’t have things to do? Mouths to feed? Bills to pay? It’s not about your money, it’s about their time. They need it too.”
The content creator stressed that dance, like music, is not merely a passion project but a livelihood. He defended the right of dancers to choose what they participate in and to prioritise collaborations that offer them something meaningful—be it compensation, exposure, or creative value.
According to the entertainer, the problem isn’t necessarily about payment, but about respecting people’s time and energy.
He encouraged upcoming artists to shift their mindset from demanding favours to cultivating relationships and offering mutual benefit.
“Creative work is work,” he reminded his audience. “Respect it.”
The choreographer’s remarks resonated with many in the creative community who often face similar expectations from artists unwilling to invest in professional partnerships.
BY Esther njoroge