Rick Rhoden, a former US military officer, is making significant strides in the Kenyan music scene by financing music production for upcoming artists through his label, Digital Underground Africa Productions. Rhoden's initiative aims to help talented musicians overcome the financial barriers that often hinder their ability to produce quality music. He plans to establish a branch of his label in Nairobi, which will serve as a hub for nurturing local talent.
Since his first visit to Kenya in 2020, Rhoden has been actively promoting Kenyan artists, including Exray Taniua, whose song garnered over 320,000 views on YouTube within just one month. Rhoden's commitment to the Kenyan music industry is evident in his investment of approximately $30,000 in an artist over a span of 1.5 years. He emphasizes the importance of treating music as a business and is in the process of setting up a professional studio in Nairobi to facilitate production.
The high cost of music production has been a significant barrier for many talented Kenyans, and Rhoden's efforts are aimed at providing both financial and managerial support to underground artists. He encourages undiscovered musicians to showcase their talents on social media platforms, believing that this exposure can lead to greater opportunities in the industry. Rhoden's vision is to create a sustainable environment for music production in Kenya, helping artists to thrive and reach their full potential. [01378848]