An entertainer’s predicament: To cash in on politics or not?

Recent controversies over involvement of artistes in the American presidential election campaigns and inauguration have highlighted an issue that is all too familiar in Kenya.

A majority of A-list US celebrities — including Jay Z, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry among others — endorsed Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton while Republican candidate and eventual winner Donald Trump was largely shunned.

But even after the elections, American artistes have had to consider the implications of their actions with some of those slotted to perform during Friday’s inauguration pulling out after facing backlash from fans. 

In Kenya, entertainers across the country continue to grapple with the same dilemma as the political season enters its final leg. On the one hand, they need to cash in on the extensive campaign budget, but with the volatile nature of our politics this performances can come at a cost to their brand.

In Kenya, just showing up for a campaign rally is deemed by many as a show of support. To mitigate the risks associated with campaign performances, some entertainers purposely stay clear of such appearances.

There are those, however, who go where the money leads, regardless of the inherent risks to their public image. Dr Ofweneke, a comedian, has been spotted at various Jubilee events and was the MC at the just concluded launch of the Jubilee membership smartcard on January 13 at the Kasarani Gymnasium in Nairobi.

“Performing at a political rally does not amount to an endorsement; it’s just a job,” he says. “I don’t think artistes should take sides, our job is to unite all Kenyans during this volatile period.”

The comedian said he has a cordial working relationship with the Jubilee campaign team. Even though he is open to the idea of working with the Opposition, for now he intends to continue working with the ruling party.

“People have to pay bills, Jubilee paid for my services because someone appreciates my talent. As a citizen I have the right to support one party or the other, but that is an issue best left to the ballot box,” he told the Sunday Nation.

Dr Ofweneke is, however, unapologetic for trying to make a living and instead challenges the attitude of those who criticise artistes for simply doing their job.
“All these parties change with every election. We cannot continue hating each other just because of political differences. These people eat together, they have all worked together at some point and may even offer each other ministerial positions after the election is over,” he says.

DJ Trayce was the resident deejay at the Opposition meeting at Bomas of Kenya on January 11, where the possibility of forming the National Super Alliance was discussed. The DJ is a regular at political events, and as the campaign season approaches, he is preparing to cash in.

“It’s just a job. I don’t think politicians even notice which DJ is playing for them. I have worked for both Jubilee and the Opposition, I simply play my set and leave,” he said.

The matter is complicated further by the fact that regular concert promoters don’t organise entertainment events during the political season. This means that entertainers have to depend on politics to earn their keep. Yet there are those like Sauti Sol who steer clear of politics. In principal, the band does perform at political rallies.

Maureen Kunga of the pop group Elani said artistes should not be criticised for their performances. 

“At a personal level, I think it’s just a job. We are performers, we are paid to perform. However as a public figure I have a responsibility to my fans to be a role model.”