Sabato's Old Audition Surfaces: Music Producer Faces Mockery and Debate Over Early Career Footage

In an unexpected twist, renowned Kenyan music producer Sabato Sabato has found himself at the centre of controversy after an old audition video from his early career resurfaced online.

The footage, which captures a younger Sabato attempting to break into the music industry, has triggered a wave of mixed reactions from fans, fellow artists, and industry insiders.

The video, believed to be several years old, shows Sabato performing in front of a panel of judges, presenting a song that reflects his early aspirations as a budding producer and musician.

While some viewers praised his raw talent and evident passion, others were quick to criticise the performance, calling it unrefined and lacking the finesse expected from a top-tier producer today.

Watch the video clip below:

As the clip circulated widely across social media platforms, it quickly gained traction—prompting both mockery and debate.

Some users expressed disbelief that the same Sabato—who is now known for offering blunt critiques of Kenyan artists—was once in such a vulnerable and humble position. Others seized the moment to ridicule his efforts from that time.

Criticism came swiftly, with memes and sarcastic commentary flooding timelines. Detractors questioned Sabato’s credibility, arguing that someone with such a past had little room to critique others.

“Never take constructive criticism from people who've never built anything in their lives,” remarked Sauti Sol’s Bien in an exclusive interview with SPM Buzz, appearing to defend Sabato’s right to critique from a place of experience.

Supporters were quick to rally around Sabato, pointing out how much he has evolved and the significant contributions he has made to the industry.

Many praised his resilience, noting how he has helped shape the sound of numerous emerging artists.

“I think it’s unfair to judge someone based on their past,” commented one fan on X. “Sabato has evolved and has helped many artists find their sound. We should celebrate that instead of tearing him down.”

Other industry veterans echoed similar sentiments, reminding critics that nearly every successful artist has had humble beginnings and early missteps.

They emphasised that perseverance, not perfection, is what defines a great artist—and that Sabato’s journey is no different.