Veteran Kenyan musician Mejja, known for his relatable lyrics and candid commentary on life, has once again struck a chord with fans by sharing a profound observation on the transactional nature of success and association
His quote,during an interview with SpmBuzz, “Ukiwa kwa trenches huonangi msee lakini ukiwa successful kila mtu anataka kuwa associated na wewe,” translates to a stark truth: when you are struggling in the ‘trenches,’ you see no one, but when you are successful, everyone wants to be associated with you.
The Loneliness of the Struggle
Mejja’s statement resonates deeply with many who have experienced the difficult ascent from obscurity to the limelight.
He suggests that the true measure of friendship and support is found not during the celebration, but during the grind.
The “trenches,” in his context, represent the periods of hardship, creative blocks, financial struggles, and countless setbacks that artists endure before achieving a breakthrough hit.
During these challenging times, the musician notes, the support system is often non-existent.
Mentors, old friends, and even family members may distance themselves, viewing the artist’s dream as a risky gamble.
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It is a period defined by isolation, where the artist must rely solely on personal resilience and vision.This initial isolation makes the subsequent influx of supporters all the more jarring.
The Price of Prosperity
The dynamic changes instantaneously once success arrives. Mejja’s observation highlights that prosperity acts as a powerful magnet, attracting a crowd of individuals eager to share in the fame and benefits.
“After tumetoa cheza kama wewe kila mtu alikuwa anaita Trio Mio my son…”Mejja emphasised using Trio Mio as an example when they did a hit song together “Cheza kama Wewe”.
Mejja//Instagram
These “associates” often materialize seemingly out of nowhere, attempting to claim a connection or influence on the success achieved.
This sudden rush of attention introduces a new layer of complexity to fame, forcing successful individuals to constantly evaluate the authenticity of new relationships.
For artists like Mejja, navigating this landscape means differentiating between genuine supporters who believed in the dream from the start, and those who simply want proximity to power and resources.
by eugene okumu
