Brandy Maina reflects on failed EP, says she will only release music she truly feels
By Katemarthason Okudo, June 8, 2026Kenyan female artist Brandy Maina has reflected on a past music project she says she now regrets, admitting that she spent a significant amount of money on an EP that did not reflect her true artistic identity.
In a candid Instagram post on Monday, June 8, 2026, Maina revealed that the project was driven by pressure to trend and gain attention rather than genuine creativity.
“I wasted money chasing trends”
The artist admitted that her mindset at the time was focused on virality and social media performance rather than artistic meaning. “When I was making the EP, it was about ‘I want to be cool,’ ‘I want to trend,’ ‘I want more TikTok plays,’” she said.
Looking back, she described the project as a learning experience that changed her approach to music. “I used so much money I’ll never get back, but I’ve learned my lesson,” she added.
Shift in mindset and creative direction
Maina revealed that only a few songs from the project were ever released, including one titled ‘Jangili’, while the rest remain unreleased. She said the experience forced her to rethink her approach to music and reconnect with her original style.
“I realised I’m never going to release anything if I’m not feeling it. There’s no releasing without feeling,” she said. The singer added that she has returned to her original sound, which is centred on acoustic and guitar-driven storytelling.
“I’m going back to who I am”
Maina noted that she now prioritises authenticity over pressure from the industry, even if it means taking longer between releases. “I’m going back to who I am, which was always me and my guitar,” she said.
She also acknowledged that fans may have to wait longer for new music, but promised that the upcoming work will be more meaningful and connected. “It’s going to be worth it, I promise you,” she added. The artist hinted at upcoming acoustic sessions, signalling a return to a more personal and stripped-down musical direction.
Her remarks come after she spoke about the pressures artists face in balancing authenticity and commercial success. The singer revealed that music has always been her way of processing emotions, admitting that she often struggles to release songs that are not tied to her personal experiences.
She said she has come to accept that her journey may look different from that of mainstream global stars, insisting that meaningful connection with listeners matters more to her than fame, numbers or trends.