Chiki Kuruka has sparked fresh debate online after defending African artists who performed during the Africa Summit Le Concert, saying creatives should not be attacked for taking part in international events.
The wife of Bien Baraza argued that musicians and entertainers have a responsibility to showcase African culture, creativity, and talent on global stages, regardless of the political conversations surrounding such events.Sauti Sol Lyrics, Biography and Albums | AfrikaLyrics
Her remarks came after some social media users criticised artists who participated in the summit concert, accusing them of associating too closely with political leaders and elite gatherings. However, Chiki maintained that artists should not carry the burden of political decisions made by governments and policymakers.
According to her, creatives play a different role in society by promoting African stories, music, and identity to international audiences. Her comments quickly attracted mixed reactions online, with supporters praising her for standing up for artists and defending the entertainment industry.
Some Kenyans agreed that musicians deserve opportunities to perform on major platforms and earn from their craft without facing harsh political criticism. Others, however, argued that public figures must remain sensitive to public frustrations whenever they appear at high-profile political or international events.
The discussion has once again highlighted the growing intersection between entertainment, politics, and public opinion in Kenya’s digital space, where celebrities often find themselves at the centre of national debates.
Fans of Sauti Sol and other performers who attended the concert also defended the artists, saying music should continue bringing people together regardless of political differences.
As conversations continue spreading across social media, Chiki Kuruka’s comments have added another layer to the ongoing debate about the role of entertainers in political and international events.
The discussion continues to attract attention online, with many Kenyans divided over whether artists should remain completely separate from political conversations or simply focus on their creative work.