The award-winning musician made the explosive remarks shortly after arriving in Kenya from Canada ahead of singer Nadia Mukami's highly anticipated Nadia@10 concert, an event celebrating the songstress's decade-long journey in the music industry.
Speaking passionately about the state of Kenya's entertainment scene, Akothee said the country has failed to create a culture where female artists uplift one another and receive genuine support from industry players.
"Female artists have been ignored in this country. No one seems willing to support them because everyone wants to shine alone. Even celebrities would rather impress other celebrities from outside than uplift their fellow artists," Akothee said.
Her remarks have sparked fresh conversations about the challenges women continue to face in Kenya's music industry, where many female performers have often complained about limited airplay, inadequate bookings and a lack of support compared to their male counterparts.
Akothee Compares Kenya to Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda
The singer said Kenya still has a long way to go in embracing its own artists, pointing to Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda as examples of countries where entertainers openly support one another.
According to Akothee, musicians in those countries benefit from the backing of actors, actresses, media houses and fellow celebrities, helping them grow their careers both locally and internationally.
"Unlike Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, where actors, actresses, the media and celebrities openly embrace their musicians, here even some radio and TV presenters compete with artists. Bloggers focus on spreading hate while completely ignoring talent," she lamented.
She argued that instead of celebrating creativity, some bloggers and media personalities spend more time amplifying controversy than promoting talent.
"Support Female Artists Instead of Pulling Them Down"
Akothee also condemned what she described as a toxic culture of criticizing female musicians whenever they release new music.
Rather than celebrating their achievements, she said many people immediately compare them to other artists, scrutinize their personal lives and search for reasons to discredit their success.
"Whenever a female artist releases a new song, instead of supporting, sharing or celebrating her work, people immediately start comparing her to others, attacking her personal life and looking for reasons to bring her down," she said.
The singer urged Kenyans to shift their mindset and embrace a culture of supporting local talent, especially women striving to make a mark in the competitive entertainment industry.
Akothee Calls for Unity Ahead of Nadia@10
As excitement builds ahead of Nadia Mukami's Nadia@10 celebration, Akothee said the success of one female artist should inspire others rather than create rivalry.
She emphasized that there is enough room for every woman to succeed and urged industry stakeholders to offer female musicians more airplay, performance opportunities and recognition.
"Female artists deserve recognition, airplay, bookings and genuine support. There is enough space for every woman to shine. Supporting another woman's talent does not dim your own light," she said.
Ending her passionate appeal, Akothee called on women to stand together and support one another regardless of competition.
"Tutasupotiana hadi tuvunjike."
Her remarks have since generated widespread discussion on social media, with many Kenyans agreeing that stronger collaboration among artists, celebrities, media houses and fans could help elevate Kenya's music industry to the same level as regional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.
As Nadia Mukami prepares to celebrate ten years in music through the Nadia@10 concert, Akothee's message has reignited calls for greater unity and stronger support for female artists seeking to grow their careers both locally and internationally.
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