Kenyan singer and songwriter Teslah Kenya has sparked conversation online after opening up about what she described as the struggle female musicians face in Kenya’s entertainment industry.

In a candid video shared online, the Hubby hitmaker questioned why her music is rarely featured in popular Kenyan DJ mixes despite collaborating with some of the country’s biggest male stars.

Tesla said she recently searched for a “Kenyan Mix 2026” on YouTube and noticed that many of the songs played featured artists she had previously worked with.

“The first 10 or 15 songs that were played, I have collaborated with every artist. But in the whole mix, there wasn’t a single song of mine,” she said.

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                                          Teslah Kenya // Instagram

Frustration Over Industry Recognition

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Tesla’s remarks reignited debate about how female artists are treated in Kenya’s music industry, which has long been dominated by male performers.

Over the past few years, Kenyan male artists such as Savara, Bensoul, Vic West, and Iyanii have enjoyed heavy club rotation, frequent DJ support, and strong online visibility.

While female musicians continue to release popular songs, many have previously spoken about challenges related to promotion, bookings, and consistent media support.

Industry observers have often pointed out that male artists dominate Kenyan playlists, club sets, and event line-ups, making it harder for women to maintain visibility.

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Fans Rally Behind Tesla

Following her remarks, many social media users defended the singer, describing her as talented but underrated.

One fan wrote:

“Teslah Kenya is very underrated and very talented.”
Another added:
“I play your songs every day in my house. Tesla to the world.”
Several DJs also responded publicly, insisting they support her music in their mixes and live performances.

One DJ commented:

“I play her music in my sets. She has good songs.”

Another wrote:

“I’ve added her songs to my mixes. Song zako ni moto.”

However, not everyone agreed with Tesla’s concerns. Some users argued that success in music depends on consistency, branding, and understanding one’s audience.

One commenter said:

“Your songs mostly reach people who already know you. I don’t know why they don’t go beyond that.”

Another added:

“There’s talent, and there’s luck. You need both.”

                                           Teslah Kenya // Instagram

Growing Conversation Around Female Representation

Tesla’s comments have once again highlighted wider discussions about female representation in Kenya’s music scene.

Although artists such as Nikita Kering, Ssaru, and Femi One have built strong fan bases, male musicians still dominate mainstream charts, club playlists, and festival bookings.

Despite the criticism and mixed reactions online, supporters encouraged the singer to keep pushing her craft and continue releasing music.

“Fix your crown. You are talented, creative, and a powerhouse,” one fan told her.