In a male-dominated industry, Director Keysha has carved out a space for herself as East Africa’s only female music video director. Overcoming numerous obstacles, Keysha has established herself as a respected figure in the Kenyan entertainment scene. She openly acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male field but also shares the personal triumphs that have shaped her journey.
Keysha’s passion for directing music videos was inspired by the work of Dave Meyers, a globally renowned video director known for his collaborations with A-list artists. “Dave Meyers has always inspired me. He’s not your ordinary director. He has worked with top artists around the world, and everything he touches, from graphics to set designs, turns into gold,” Keysha shared in an interview with TUKO.co.ke. Meyers’ ability to transform music videos into compelling visual art sparked Keysha’s desire to pursue the craft.
However, her path has not been without its difficulties. The music video industry, particularly in East Africa, is challenging for women, and Keysha has experienced her fair share of discrimination. “Yes, discrimination has been a challenge. However, the support of my mum and my manager has been instrumental. My manager has played a big role in coaching me to be fearless,” she revealed. Despite these setbacks, she credits her resilience and the encouragement from those around her for her success.
A pivotal moment in Keysha’s career came with the music video for Dimba Refix by Gody Tennor. The video, which was completed in just three days, became a major milestone as it reached over a million views. Keysha regards this project as one of her most significant achievements, noting the satisfaction of working with a new genre of artists. “It was amazing working with a new genre of artists. The whole process felt like a breakthrough moment,” she recalled.
Among the artists she has worked with, Keysha describes rapper Khaligraph Jones as one of the most professional and cooperative individuals in the industry. “Khaligraph Jones is the most professional and cooperative artist I’ve worked with. He came on set early, fully adhered to the script and plans. His professionalism, respect, and hard work inspired me,” Keysha said. She further praised his calm and positive demeanor, noting that working with him was both a rewarding and inspiring experience.
Keysha’s impressive portfolio includes music videos like The Mack is Back by Khaligraph Jones, Dimba Refix by Gody Tennor, and For You by Kethan. These projects reflect her ability to create visually stunning content that resonates with audiences, showcasing her talent and versatility as a director.
Despite her success, Keysha remains focused on the challenges facing the Kenyan music industry. According to Moses Muraya, founder of Star Record Studios, one of the biggest hurdles is the lack of capital for investment in music production. Many talented artists struggle to access the funds needed to produce high-quality music and videos. However, Keysha’s perseverance in the face of these challenges serves as an inspiration for other women and aspiring directors in the region.
Keysha’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and breaking through societal barriers. As East Africa’s only female music video director, she continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of filmmakers and directors in the region.
