The renowned musical ensemble Spider Clan, celebrated for their track “Rieng Genje” commonly recognized as “Kaveve Kazoze,” has recently stepped forward to shed light on their struggles, despite the widespread acclaim they’ve garnered.
In an interview with Jalang’o TV, the quartet, consisting of siblings and neighbors hailing from Nyandarua County, voiced their grievances about not reaping the rewards of their immensely popular song earlier this year.
They disclosed that a significant portion of the revenue generated from the song on YouTube ended up in the account of the song’s producer. “For the song ‘Kaveve Kazoze,’ we didn’t receive any earnings. The management was in the hands of the beat owner, and it was the beat owner who pocketed the proceeds,” they explained. Only after the song surpassed four million views did they realize that money could potentially come their way.
Despite the song’s overwhelming popularity, they emphasized that the enduring nationwide hit ‘Kaveve Kazoze’ did not translate into substantial financial gains for them. “In terms of popularity, the name is significant, but financial rewards are lacking. Even during performances, people bemoan economic hardships,” they lamented.
Reflecting on life after their song went viral online, Ngesh wa Vasha, the vocalist behind the famous lines of ‘Kaveve Kazoze,’ expressed discomfort, sensing a misconception that they have become affluent through music, which is far from the truth. “People perceive you differently, especially on social media. There are assumptions that we are well-off, but that’s not the case,” Ngesh remarked.
He further added, “One feels disheartened because when we encounter people in public, they assume we have money, and it’s challenging to convey that we’re financially strained.”
The band also voiced concerns about unfulfilled promises from certain prominent figures, including a well-known politician, urging these individuals to honor their commitments.
