Award-winning artist Nikita Kering recently revealed glimpses of a music deal she had signed with an undisclosed music label, a decision she later regretted as it resulted in significant distress and tumult in 2023.
Though she didn't explicitly mention the label, reports suggest that the deal in question was the recording agreement she entered into in 2020 with an independent and well-known agency located in Nairobi.
During an interview with podcaster and singer Kering reminisced about advice she received from Sauti Sol's Bien, who warned her against signing undisclosed deals and urged her to pursue her music career as an independent artist.
“When someone warns you about something, just listen. Bien about two years ago, probably he doesn’t even remember; he told me, ‘Nikita, just stay independent. Trust me, just stay independent,’” she recounted.
Despite Bien's advice, Nikita chose to proceed with the deal, seeing it as a significant opportunity and trusting her team to handle the contractual aspects.
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However, she soon realized the consequences of her decision, recognizing that not everything could be protected by a contract.
Although Kering didn't disclose specific details of the agreement, sources familiar with the deal suggest that she was unfairly treated in various aspects.
“The deal was worth Sh6 million to record, produce, market and promote the EP ‘Side of Me’ but according to my understanding the funds were never released to her. That was frustrating. Under the contract, she also found out that her merchandise was being sold in South Africa yet she didn’t receive any penny from the same,” the source claimed.
At 22 years old, Nikita had to cut ties when the deal expired earlier this year.
