Suzan Kibukosya (Kenya)

Suzanne Kibukosya has in the last 15 years been at the forefront of many major strides in the Kenyan music industry including:

• Setting up and running of professional studios for music and audio recording
• Composing and rolling out advertising campaigns for a myriad of multi-nationals including Coca cola, K.B.L., Barclays and Standard Chartered Bank etc.
• Laying new infrastructure for distribution of local music
• Managing and organising events that promote and build the local pop cultural scene
• Talent nurturing and discovery initiatives, which have seen many local artistes become famous including – Jabali, Kayamba Africa, Eric Wainaina, Redyculuss, Mercy Myra, Kalamashaka, among others.
• Soliciting sponsorship from the private sector for music and pop culture events
• Negotiating with industry players to film professional music clips on not-for-profit basis to enable artistes receive vital T.V. airplay of their music
• Actually directing and scripting several of these music video clips

On advocacy issues her work has involved:

• Using pop culture, and in particular music, to spread social messages on issues ranging from: girl child education, HIV/AIDS, anti corruption, democracy and governance, ethnic cleansing among others.
• Working with local radio stations to build strategies that promote local music
• Working with local bodies, musicians and the Attorney Generals office to combat piracy and build transparent copyright collecting bodies.

Ms. Kibukosya’s experience has covered everything from conceptualizing and creating the vision, to proposal writing, budgeting, execution, to final reports and assessments of the various projects.

She has become a role model to many in the industry. Peers, young people, upcoming producers and artistes alike consider her an inspiration and many have learnt from her in order to achieve their goals today.