Nimo Gachuiri,  a mother, recording artist, influencer, and entrepreneur shares her experience about managing her child’s online presence. She discusses the challenges she’s encountered and the strategies she employs to safeguard her child online, integrating the principles of the Children Online Protection Act. Shares her insights with DIANA MUCHAI

In today’s digital era, striking a balance between online exposure and safety poses a significant challenge for many parents. Nimo reflects on the initial hurdles she faced when she began sharing about her child online. “When I started posting, we encountered friction with certain groups. We faced bullying, and while I wasn’t initially keen on putting our child out there, his dad was, so I deferred to his lead,” she recalls. The onslaught of negative comments and bullying directed at her child was deeply distressing. “People were calling my baby ugly. It was heart-wrenching,” she adds.

To navigate these challenges, Nimo made the decision to limit her child’s online exposure. “I mainly post about him on my own page, mostly on stories, where feedback is more controlled,” she explains. She perceives her social media as a personal album, a space to preserve memories while exercising control over her child’s visibility.

Nimo stresses the importance of parental controls and monitoring screen time. She encourages outdoor activities and limits screen time, enforcing parental controls on devices such as laptops and Netflix. “We’ve restricted his access to Netflix, emphasizing that it’s not suitable for him. He mostly watches YouTube, where we’ve set up controls to ensure he only views appropriate content,” she explains. By incorporating YouTube Kids on shared devices and using regular YouTube on personal devices, they ensure ongoing safety, even when they’re not actively monitoring his usage. This approach aligns with the Children Online Protection Act’s aim to promote safe internet usage for children, preventing others from corrupting algorithms to suggest age-inappropriate content.

As public figures, Nimo and her husband are deliberate about their online sharing. “We carefully choose what to share. There are aspects we keep private to shield our child from undue scrutiny,” she explains. This deliberate curation aids in managing their child’s online presence while prioritizing his safety. It’s about delineating between their brand and personal lives.

Nimo advocates for building a child’s confidence through affirmations and setting boundaries. “Start by nurturing your child’s confidence. Teach them self-love and resilience,” she advises. They have a daily self-affirmation ritual, fostering self-love and confidence in her child, buffering him against negative comments.

“Utilize parental controls and closely monitor their online activities,” she suggests. She underscores the importance of shielding children until they are equipped to navigate the online world independently.

Nimo Gachuiri’s journey underscores the crucial balance between online exposure and safety. By integrating the principles of the Children Online Protection Act into daily life, parents can cultivate a safer digital environment for their children. The Communications Authority of Kenya, through the Children Online Protection Act, offers a comprehensive framework to shield children from online threats, ensuring a secure digital space for young users. Nimo’s experience serves as a valuable compass for parents navigating the intricacies of raising children in the digital age.

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Kendrick Lamar vs Drake

As we look towards the future of rap, the dynamic between artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake provides a compelling lens through which to examine the evolution of the genre. The so-called “beef” between these two titans of hip-hop(each worth their buck in their respective product forms) isn’t just about rivalry; it’s a narrative that highlights the divergent paths and philosophies within rap music. My definition of this beef in particular trickles down to what each of their fans believe to be the evolution of rap.

Kendrick Lamar, often hailed as a purist’s rapper, embodies the tradition of lyrical depth and political engagement. His approach to music is cinematic, with albums that tell stories and pose critical questions about society, race, and personal identity. Kendrick’s work is steeped in the roots of hip-hop as a form of social commentary, and his influence urges the genre to maintain its depth and provocativeness; For instance “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012) – is often cited as a pivotal work in modern hip-hop for its conceptual depth and cohesive storytelling. It’s structured as a narrative about Kendrick’s teenage experiences in the gang-riddled streets of Compton. All the way to “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” (2022) – His latest album which at the time of this writing continues to delve into personal and societal issues, touching on themes such as mental health, family dynamics, and societal expectations.

On the other side of the spectrum, Drake represents the globalization and commercial success of rap. His style blends melodic hip-hop with elements of R&B, and his lyrics often explore themes of fame, relationships, and personal angst. Drake’s ability to churn out hits that resonate on a global scale has helped transform rap into a dominant force in mainstream music, making it more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. For instance, “Take Care” (2011) – was marked as a turning point for Drake, blending introspective lyrics with a soft, melodic production that appealed to a broad audience. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, solidifying his status in the music industry. All the way to “Certified Lover Boy” (2021) – which broke several streaming records upon release and achieved the biggest album debut of 2021. It also continued his streak of No. 1 debuts on the Billboard 200, reinforcing his influence and relevance in the music industry

The interactions between Kendrick and Drake, whether viewed as competition or mere artistic divergence, stimulate a dialogue among fans and artists about what the future of rap should hold. Should rap continue to prioritize lyrical richness and depth, as Kendrick advocates? Or should it embrace the broader appeal and genre-blending characteristics that Drake exemplifies?

This debate is crucial as rap continues to evolve. The genre is becoming increasingly diverse, with artists exploring new sounds and themes that challenge traditional boundaries. The Kendrick-Drake dynamic encapsulates this shift, highlighting a crossroads between complexity and accessibility, between introspective storytelling and global relatability.

As rap moves forward, it may not need to choose one path over the other. The future might see a synthesis of these approaches, where the genre’s richness is preserved even as it adapts to changing tastes and technologies. The contributions of both Kendrick and Drake, and their ongoing dialogue—whether framed as beef or as mutual inspiration—will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping what comes next in the world of hip-hop.

Nairobi’s restaurant and cafe scene is flourishing, kila mahali all you hear is Hidden Gems this and that. Amidst this boom, there’s a common cultural thread tying many of these vibrant spots together: live music. As restaurants and cafes across Nairobi promote local artists you can’t help but ask is it the venues promoting the artists, or are the artists in fact the ones enhancing the venues?

While venues promote themselves as supporters of local talent, the reality showcases a more reciprocal relationship. Artists aren’t just background music because otherwise, they could just play prerecorded playlists; but would it really be the same? The unique ambience created by live performances transforms a regular dining experience into something special, becoming a primary reason customers choose one cafe over another. Despite this, at the end of the night, these artists might walk away with as little as 5,000 KES—a sum that hardly equates to the value they provide.

The Artist IS the Attraction

Artists bring a unique vibe to a venue, creating an ambience that can’t be replicated by a Spotify playlist or radio. Whether it’s the soulful strumming of a guitar or the soft notes of a jazz saxophone, live music adds a layer of authenticity and enjoyment to the dining experience that draws crowds. Regular patrons often turn into loyal customers, coming back not just for the food and drinks, but for the music that originally pulled them in.

The draw of live music is undeniable as more local artists emerge in Nairobi Live Music scene. On nights with scheduled performances, foot traffic in these establishments can spike significantly. This isn’t just about increased numbers; the diversity of the clientele also expands. Music lovers, friends of performers, and even passersby lured by the sound filtering through the doors help expand the usual customer base.

Beyond the immediate business that live music brings, there’s a further broader cultural contribution that these artists offer. They help define the character of a bistro or cafe, distinguishing it from competitors. Venues known for supporting local artists often gain a reputation as cultural centres, enhancing their brand and embedding them more deeply into the community fabric.

In discussing the dynamic between artists and venues during a recent interview with VibeYetu, JT Bulinda, an artist in the local music scene, shared his insights: “The assumption generally is that venues are doing a favour to the artists by letting them play, and while there is some truth in recognizing the platform they provide, that’s barely all there is to it.” His statement highlights a crucial point: the relationship is mutually beneficial. Venues gain a competitive edge and increase patronage through the distinctive cultural experience offered by artists, while artists receive exposure and a platform to showcase their talent.

Despite their significant contributions, our artists often face challenges. The compensation, if offered, can be minimal, and the acknowledgement of their role in attracting customers can be underappreciated. There is a growing conversation among the artist community about the need for fair treatment and better recognition of their contributions to the hospitality industry. At the end of the day as an artist, you need to earn however little you can and even more importantly, you have to keep singing and playing the instrument; so they end up being taken advantage of.

As Nairobi’s culinary scene continues to grow, recognizing the mutual benefits of this relationship could lead to more sustainable support for local artists and richer, more engaging experiences for patrons. In the thriving heartbeat of Nairobi’s eateries, perhaps the artists are the real promoters after all, deserving of fair compensation and recognition for the cultural vibrancy they bring to the table.

Let’s talk about it:

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