Afrobeats singer Kcee has opened up about the emotional impact of repeated award snubs, revealing that being overlooked by industry organisers once drove him to tears.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the “Limpopo” hitmaker said he struggled for recognition despite what he described as significant contributions to the music scene.
“I grew up in an industry that wasn’t fair to me. There wasn’t any attention given to me at any moment. I was doing a lot that the industry wasn’t recognising,” he said, reflecting on his early career.
Kcee noted that while award nominations eluded him, his fan base remained a constant source of support. “The fans were the ones who were behind me. I did a lot of work; they were not nominating me for awards. And I cried; I was pained,” he added.
The singer said he has since shifted his mindset, choosing to detach from industry validation after noticing a pattern of exclusion. He now places greater value on commercial success and audience connection over accolades. “Right now, when I win awards or you don’t nominate me, I don’t care. I prefer the rewards to the awards,” he said.
