The “Gentleman’s Agreement” Trap: Why Kenyan Artists Must Embrace Formal Contracts

In the vibrant, rhythmic heart of the Kenyan creative economy, a persistent shadow looms over the industry: unprofessionalism. While our music travels across borders and our festivals grow in scale, a fundamental piece of the business puzzle is missing—the culture of written agreements.

For too long, the Kenyan music scene has operated on “vibes,” “word of honor,” and “brotherhood.” While these sentiments are culturally rich, they are economically dangerous. The cycle is predictable: an artist agrees to a gig via a quick WhatsApp message or a phone call, shows up without a soundcheck, and later takes to social media to blast the promoter for “disrespect” or “non-payment.” Conversely, promoters often change terms mid-stream because nothing was set in stone. This culture of blame-shifting is a direct result of failing to formalize work before it begins.

Many Kenyan artists view contracts with suspicion, fearing that formal paperwork implies a lack of trust. In reality, a contract is the highest form of professional respect. According to industry insights on Music Business Worldwide, formalizing agreements is the only way to scale a creative career.

When an artist takes up work without a written agreement, they are essentially walking into a fog. Without a contract, there is no clarity on performance duration, technical riders, or hospitality. When these details are left to “common sense,” friction is inevitable. When things go south, the artist often blames the promoter, forgetting that they entered the arrangement without a legal safety net.

In any professional industry, service delivery follows a clear financial structure. In music, this must be non-negotiable. Before any promotional material goes live or a flight is booked, two things must happen: a signed contract and a commitment deposit (standardly 50%).

Clearing out these agreements before work begins protects the artist’s brand. It ensures the promoter is serious and that the artist’s time—their most valuable asset—is compensated. Waiting until the night of the event to “sort out” payments is a recipe for the backstage brawls and “call-out” culture that currently plagues our industry. As noted in the Music In Africa business guides, financial transparency is the foundation of a healthy music ecosystem.

Professionalism isn’t just about demanding money; it’s about delivering value. A written agreement holds the artist accountable for soundcheck times, promotional obligations, and performance quality. When artists bypass these formalities, they lose the moral and legal ground to complain when a promoter falls short.

If we want the Kenyan music industry to be taken seriously on a global stage, we must move past the “mtu wangu” culture. Promoters are business people, and artists are brands. The intersection of those two entities should be a legal document, not a DM. Written agreements eliminate assumptions and transform a “hustle” into a sustainable business.