Sama Sojah has opened up about the realities of navigating the local music industry, saying artists need more than good manners and discipline to succeed.
Speaking on Galaxy TV (Rewind), Sama reflected on his experiences in the entertainment industry and argued that being excessively accommodating can sometimes leave musicians vulnerable to being overlooked or taken advantage of.
According to the singer, artists should maintain respect and discipline but also know when to assert themselves.
“You won’t find five disciplined musicians, and I’m not among them. The more you show people that you have discipline, they turn you into a rug. So it’s important to have some discipline with respect,” he said.
Sama illustrated his point by recalling an incident at a performance where he arrived at the venue before some of the other musicians but chose to let them take the stage first.
He said he assumed the other performers were in a hurry and therefore gave them an opportunity to perform ahead of him.
However, when his own performance time eventually came, he found himself having to compete for the microphone.
“I left them to sing, thinking that they had somewhere to be, but when time also caught up with me and I wanted to step on stage, the microphone was to be fought for,” he explained.
For Sama, the experience was a lesson in balancing humility with self-assertion. While artists should treat colleagues with respect, he believes they also need to recognize when they must stand up for their own opportunities.
His comments highlight a broader challenge for musicians working in a competitive industry, where being courteous and accommodating does not always mean others will extend the same courtesy in return.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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