Veteran Kenyan comedian MC Jessy recently took to social media to express his frustration over claims that Kenya was bidding to host the Grammy Awards. Jessy, known for his candid opinions, accused President William Ruto’s advisers of misleading him, asserting that they were lying to the president about the feasibility of such an event.
In his remarks, MC Jessy questioned the logic behind Kenya’s bid to host the prestigious music awards, noting that the country is not yet in a position to host such international events. He pointed out that there are more pressing issues that should be addressed before the government can even consider hosting the Grammys, such as investing in the local arts sector.
Jessy also referenced the anticipated visit of comedian Steve Harvey, which was heavily publicized but ultimately never materialized. The failed visit, according to Jessy, had contributed to the negative perception that the president was being dishonest, even though the lack of a visit was due to circumstances beyond his control. He argued that such instances tarnish the president’s image, making it appear as if he had lied to the public, even though the fault lay with the advisers who had made unrealistic promises.
“People are lying to the president to the extent that when he says things, and they do not happen, the people will say, he lied to us. Because he has people lying to him,” Jessy said. He further added that the focus should be on fixing internal issues, especially within the arts sector, rather than investing in high-profile international events like the Grammys. He emphasized that without substantial growth in local talent and infrastructure, any international event would just be a short-lived spectacle.
Jessy also took issue with the KSh 500 million allegedly allocated to the Grammy bid, stating that this money would have been better spent on initiatives that directly benefit the country’s arts and entertainment industries. “We need to fix our house first,” Jessy argued, urging the government to focus on building local capacity before pursuing such grandiose ventures.
The comedian’s comments have sparked a wider debate about the priorities of the current administration. Some have supported his view, suggesting that Kenya should first invest in developing its own cultural and entertainment sectors before attempting to host global events. Others, however, believe that such aspirations are part of a larger vision for Kenya’s global positioning.
In a response to Jessy’s remarks, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the allocation of funds to the Grammy bid. Salasya called for greater transparency in government spending, especially when it comes to projects that have yet to show tangible benefits to the Kenyan public.
As the conversation around the Grammys and the state of Kenya’s arts and entertainment sector continues, many are calling for more strategic investments that will foster local talent, create sustainable opportunities, and elevate Kenya’s global standing on its own terms.
