US-based Kenyan musician Nonini has received criticism from Kenyans for his poor shoe brand marketing strategy. The singer however defended himself after facing criticism from netizens. The backlash ensued from a social media post where he promoted his shoe brand, Mgenge 2ru Kicks, while paradoxically wearing American luxury sports brand sneakers, Nike.
Fans voiced their displeasure Nonini stating he did not have trust in his own brand.

Netizens quickly unearthed several other posts where Nonini is spotted wearing Nike sneakers, a move that many believe is harmful to his brand.
In his defense, Nonini clarified that it was part of the marketing strategy for his Kshs.36,640 sneakers, which are exclusively available on a pre-order basis, and people were responding positively to it.
Responding to a netizen's observation on his X account, Nonini addressed the apparent contradiction of promoting his own brand while donning a highly coveted sports brand worth billions. This contradiction becomes even more intriguing considering that, technically, they are now competitors in the same industry.




"Free marketing, see what I did there? Intentional and I knew they would fall for it," Nonini wrote accompanying the post with several laughing emojis.
I'm not sure if he was trying to fool us or himself, perhaps it really is a new marketing strategy that we know nothing about. But his comment appeared to make things worse with keyboard warriors raiding attacks on him.
Nonini introduced his shoe brand in 2021, emphasizing that the shoes are crafted in Italy. Additionally, his fashion house, Mgenge 2ru, produces clothing items such as hoodies and jackets, and he insists that these are exclusively made in Kenya.

Speaking about his venture back then he said;
“I have always been a fashion guy and I prefer promoting Kenyan brands. I’ve just reinvented what I’ve been doing and right now focusing on fashion and taking it seriously as my career.
 Mgenge 2ru is an apparel brand. We have clothes that include hoodies, jumpers, bomber jackets and watches,”
The Mgenge 2ru 22 edition sneakers are priced at Ksh.36,640 per pair, while the 21 sock runners are available for Ksh.31,840.