‘I struggle with industry expectation’-Brandy Maina opens up on music pressure
Kenyan female artist, Brandy Maina, has opened up about the emotional pressure she faces as an artist, revealing that she sometimes struggles to balance personal expression with industry expectations.
Speaking in a reflective post shared on her Instagram page on Monday, June 8, 2026, Maina admitted that her creative process is deeply tied to her emotions, making it difficult for her to release music that does not come from a personal place. “I end up feeling sad when I release songs I don’t feel.”
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The singer explained that her music has always been an emotional outlet, dating back to her childhood as an only child with limited emotional expression channels.“So if anything affects me, I run to my guitar and write a song about it. That has been my escape till today,” she shared.
However, she noted that this emotional connection makes it difficult for her to release songs that are created purely for commercial purposes. “When I release a song just because I need to be consistent or because that’s what’s popping, I become so sad. I even end up hating that song,” she said.
Maina added that songs inspired by personal experiences tend to perform better and remain meaningful to her, unlike those made to fit market demands.
Struggle between art and the music business
According to Maina, the pressure to remain relevant in the industry often conflicts with her artistic instincts. She explained that she sometimes compares herself to other artists, which adds to the pressure of constant output.
“Artists like me really struggle because sometimes you find yourself comparing your progress with others,” she noted.
Despite this, she encouraged fellow creatives to focus on their personal purpose rather than external validation. “Don’t compare yourself. Your mission is deeper than fame and numbers,” she added.
Her fame
Maina also stated that fame and labels do not matter to her as much as artistic connection. “I’ve come to terms that I may not be a Beyoncé, and that’s okay. I just want to connect,” she said. The singer described music as spiritual, saying she prioritises meaning over popularity in her work.
Her statement has since sparked conversations among fans about the pressure artists face in balancing authenticity with commercial success.
