Redsan questions music originality as millennials’ era gets celebrated
By Trizer Lijondo, August 21, 2026Kenyan musician Redsan has questioned the direction of modern music, raising concerns about originality while reflecting on artificial intelligence, viral trends and the pressure to remain relevant.
Struggle to remain original
Redsan described his creative process as straightforward, saying he begins with an idea before translating it directly onto paper. “I just see a subject and point. So I just translate from my mind to my hand into the page.”
However, he believes the abundance of online information has made it easier for people to borrow rather than develop original thoughts.
“Someone could get brain fog, and they’d go online to look for a rhyme. That’s not originality; that’s someone else’s mind that you’ve just copied,” the musician added.
He argued that the challenge is becoming more significant as technology continues to offer shortcuts for people involved in creative work.
Redsan also highlighted artificial intelligence as another development transforming music production. He noted that AI tools can now assist with writing, production and mixing, and can even generate music that a person can later add their voice to.
He questioned whether relying heavily on such tools can still be considered genuine creativity.
His comments come as digital tools become increasingly accessible, raising questions about authorship and originality.
Pressure to stay relevant
Redsan also addressed the pressure created by viral platforms such as TikTok, where a song can gain attention quickly and create expectations for an immediate follow-up.
He advised musicians to prepare music in advance instead of rushing back into the studio after a song becomes popular. Having several songs ready allows artists to maintain momentum without chasing every trend.
For Redsan, being an artist goes beyond having the ability to sing. “There’s a difference between an artist and a musician,” he added. He believes longevity also requires a strong catalogue, albums, performance experience and an understanding of the business side of music.
His comments highlight the challenge facing modern creatives: staying visible without allowing trends and technology to replace originality. While social media can provide opportunities for rapid exposure, Redsan’s message is that lasting relevance requires preparation, creativity and a body of work capable of surviving beyond a viral moment. He urged artists to think beyond attention and build for longevity.