Not everyone will celebrate your success: Mercy Masika speaks betrayal and lessons in music industry

Speaking during a Citizen Digital Twitter Space on Wednesday, she said one of her low moments in her music career has been betrayals along the way.

“Sometimes you thought someone was for you and then you realise they were not… you think everyone will be happy about your success and they you realise that is not the case and you get surprised,” she said.

The ‘shule yako’ singer said it is important to keep on moving despite setbacks and not get discouraged.

Masika also pointed to the importance of not putting yourself in places where people do not appreciate you.

“It’s like a Picasso painting. It can be sold for Ksh1,000 if it’s sold to people who don’t appreciate art, but for those who know the value of art, it can be sold for one hundred million.”

Masika pointed to instances where she has been performing and some audiences have not appreciated her gift, adding that, “There are places you’ll go and perform and the audience continues talking insead of listening to the performance.

I don’t put myself in such places because I don’t want to get discouraged and have a slow puncture in my life.”

She also added the importance of diversifying sources of income when it comes to the music industry so that one is not forced to go to any lengths to make ends meet.

“The Bible says have up to seven sources of income. That helps you so that you don’t end up being desperate and doing anything to make ends meet,” she said.

On Gospel artists who find themselves in controversies, Masika said it’s important to be patient with upcoming musicians and understand that they are also human.

“It takes time to mature, so it’s important to be patient with them. When I was much younger, I wanted to be famous, but as I matured, I realized making an impact is much more important.”

Masika also spoke about the need for Kenyans to support their own more.

“I remember I travelled out of the country one time and I was told that they only played local music,” she said.

On the returns from music, she said that while money is important, in the Gospel industry, ministering and drawing people to God takes more precedence.