Stivo Simple Boy is arguably one of the most loved musicians in the country. He is famed for his informative hits, with a clear and conscious message for the youth and society.
However, it has not been all glitz and glamour for the Kibera-based rapper, as he has been at the receiving end of cyber bullying, among other negative and ill-motived incidents.
In this article, WoK takes a look at one of the challenges Stivo Simple Boy has had to endure in the course of his career, exploitative music managers.
Exploitation
There has been numerous reports alleging that Stivo’s managers was exploiting him.
Though in November last year, the rapper came out and allayed fears from his fans that he was being financially exploited by his management.
Stivo’s recent absence from social media has reignited fans’ concerns that his management has done him wrong.
Girlfriend’s narration
In a February interview with a local YouTuber, Stivo’s girlfriend Purity Vishenwa a.k.a Pritty revealed that he had parted ways with his management and sought new representation.
According to her, the rapper’s now former management has refused to handover all his social media accounts and he is working on starting new accounts.
“Aliachana na management ya kitambo ata new management pia ilikuwa imeenda kuclaim accounts zake but management ya kitambo ilisema that kama wanataka accounts za Stivo wanafaa kulipa na hawapeani for free na hiyo management mpya ilisema itamfungulia account zingine. About rent alikuwa amelipiwa ya 5 months na bado haijaisha,” Pritty revealed.
The girlfriend further revealed that his management had relocated his from Kibera to a bedsitter in Kayole.
“Last year December alihamishwa from Kibera akapelewa kwa bedsitter Kayole na the management. Unajua kulikuwa nakesi zilikuwa zimetokea fans wake wakiuliza mbona Stivo simple boy life yake haijachange ata after akuwe celebrity. Hiyo place anaishi haiko sawa but kwake atasema to iko poa juu hakuna kitu anaweza fanya ama kusema,” she said.
She noted that the management moved him from Kibera after members of the public began to ‘incite’ him on how to handle the management.
“Hiyo management ilikuwa inataka akae place hakuna mtu anamcorrupt na kumwambia that hii si poa. Yeye anabelive place yko iko comfortable, akisema that that watu huanza from somewhere na anaona vile alitoka kibera akaenda kayole amemake a big step,” added Pritty.
“He doesn’t have a YouTube page, his social media is controlled by them. I asked him to start a Youtube Channel with me or by himself but he told me that he fears his management will bring issues. So it told him, if that is what he sees fit then he can go ahead.” she added.
On the rumours that Stivo’s revenue never gets to him, Pritty put things into perspective, reiterating that the rapper is paid peanuts despite raking in good money.
She mentioned a case where the rapper made over one hundred thousand but was paid a mere Ksh4,000 by the management.
“Yes, I have witnessed all that, there is one he did worth Ksh 120k the money that he got was Ksh 4,000.
“However, if he wants anything, they will buy it for him, but not for him to use his money to buy,” Pritty said.
She noted that when, Stiveo moved, she was not informed, but he does come to visit.
Stivo’s take
In November last year, Stivo had dismissed reports that his management was exploiting him.
At the time, the rapper was responding to a screenshot that went viral on social media which captured a conversation indicating that he was being exploited by his manager known as Oyoo.
According to the screenshot, he would be paid peanuts from huge fees collected from his shows.
Stivo dismissed the reports saying they were rumours peddled by his enemies to chase clout.
“I was surprised to see those allegations on Twitter. I want to confirm that the allegations are not true as I have never been exploited by manager. The person who started that conversation must be trying to chase clout with my name,” he said.
Stivo’s Management
Stivo’s manager, Oyoo, dismissed the accusation, stating that the narrative was peddled by musicians jealous of Stivo’s achievements and industry moves.
“I have seen the screenshots. It is unfortunate that we try every day to bring each other down. That is propaganda being advanced by those who were not ready for Simple Boy’s success. He came to the industry and has been giving the perceived bigshots a run for their money. They have to find a way to bring him down,” he said.
