Nikita Kering says she isn’t doing music for money
By Elizabeth NgigiMusician and songwriter Nikita Kering’ says her zeal to pursue music as a career is not fueled by the need to make money but by her passion.
Speaking to this writer, the 22-year-old who broke into the limelight while still a teenager, maintained she doesn’t do music for money but because she is rather passionate about it.
“The key for me is that I genuinely love making music. No one’s forcing me to do it, and I’m not doing it because of financial pressure. As long as I love my work, the inspiration keeps flowing.” Nikita says.
Nikita also opened up on her journey as an independent artist since cutting ties with Universal Music (Africa) when the recording deal she signed in 2020 reported to be worth Ksh6 million, ended early this year.
Under the deal, Nikita released hit singles such as “Ex,” “Where You Been,” and “Never Let You Go” from her debut EP.
In February 2024, Nikita reflected on the decision to sign the deal with regrets describing the period as one of “complete depression and isolation,” as she grappled with the fallout of that choice.
“Knowing that a decision you made, thinking that you’re big enough, smart enough to make it, was the wrong choice,” she said.
Also Read: Nikita Kering opens up about regrets over music label deal
Despite the struggles, Nikita now says she has found peace in her independence.
“Honestly, it’s been a blessing. At this stage in my career, I need to tread carefully and make sure I don’t lose myself. When you’re signed, there’s always a lot of direction and pressure from management, and it’s easy to lose sight of why you started making music in the first place.” she says
Despite the success, Nikita says she has had her fair share of challenges as a female artist, from being undermined in professional spaces to navigating the industry as a young woman.
“Like many female artists, I’ve had my share of challenges. Sometimes, when I give feedback, I’m told to ‘relax,’ because I am young even when I know things aren’t going right,” she shared.