The Kenyan music industry has been in some really weird position of late, and when I say the music industry I mean both secular and gospel musicians. Artistes have been throwing petty shades at each other to a point they became irrelevant when all along they were trying to stay relevant. The industry was too salty and many people got tired of their childish ways. For the past few weeks, some artistes have found themselves in scandals and controversies left right and centre that were too petty to even been considered relevant. But it seems that many celebrities are trying so hard to be recognised having the idea that if they do something totally stupid, the public will recognise them and their names will be on every tabloid. Trust me, your name will be on every tabloid but it doesn't mean that have achieved anything. From Akothee, Avril to Michelle Yola, these are the top celebrities who have pulled publicity stunts that backfired on them leaving them looking like toddlers crying for candy.

1. Willy Paul and Size 8

Where do I even start with these two. Willy Paul  is too complicated for the human race. He started off as a  really cool artiste who's motive was to spread the word of God at a young age. Many people valued his songs and the message made sense, until fame kicked in and all hell broke loose. Size 8 on the other hand is a special child. We all remember her when she used to be so energetic on stage, dancing her brains out before she received the Lord as her personal survivor. Her life turned around and her light shone even brighter. We all must agree she is a really good artiste but at the same time she tends to act as if she's flossing. Calm down honey, the world existed before you were born. Willy and Size 8 stirred up a storm when they released a song dubbed 'Tiga Wana'. They song was received both negatively and positively by the public. But many labelled it as more of a club banger than a gospel tune. They got the chance to speak their minds claiming that people are blowing things out of proportion and that instead of throwing shade, they should listen to the message. And let's not even start with the "Munguree" vibe. Like worathose?

2. Akothee

Madam boss is always making news. Everywhere you go, you'll hear a thing or two about her. She has made a name for herself in the music industry even beating some artistes who have been in the game for decades. But she is always pulling publicity stunts in every corner we might as well give her an award for that. She once fooled the entire entertainment industry after she posted photos of her "wedding" making everyone believe that she had actually tied the knot. Earlier on she had announced that she would be getting married soon and it was only fair that many believed that she had finally become a wife, yet again. She got pregnant and announced that too, but later on lost the pregnancy and many concluded that she wasn't even pregnant in the first place and that it was all an act to stay relevant. She later on cleared the air about the rumours and indeed she was pregnant.

3. Michelle Yola

This is one chic who's tried so hard to stay relevant but has always hit the wall. Since she announced that she was dating Prezzo, we never breathed in peace. It felt as if we had to borrow permission to walk on the streets. Prezzo and Michelle have been making news and its all for the wrong reasons. The two seem to actually compliment each other; its like two peas in a pod. Prezzo went ahead and put a ring on it and the news spread like wild fire. But their relationship has not been a walk on the park as they portray it. Well, Michelle decided to make a fool of herself thinking she was doing us a favour after posting screenshots on social media with long captions claiming that Prezzo has been cheating on her and she has been communicating with the lady in the picture. She literally poured her heart out trying to get as much sympathy from her followers as she can; then later on claimed that they are back together and it was all for show. The publicity stunt hit the wall so hard that she instead became a laughing stalk. She needs to change her advisors coz they are clearly misleading her.

4. Bahati

Mtoto wa Mama is truly a youngin. He came to the limelight and grasped everyone's attention with his songs. He started out great but I think fame just messed around with his head. The first time he pulled a publicity stunt was when his friends started posting photos on social media congratulating him for finally tying the knot. Using your friends to make you relevant is just lame. At least try and fight your own battles. He recently pulled another stunt after posting a dead long post on facebook and Instagram claiming that the gospel artistes have in terms of music composition including himself and the only song he feels was more of a gospel tune was 'Barua'. He then went ahead and mentioned Sauti Sol, Nyashinski and Collo saying that he expects them to win an award in the next Groove Awards. His followers were on his case with many claiming that he's trying to look for sympathy and relevance. In short, he burned himself with his own acid.

5. Eric Omondi

At this point, I don't think we should label Eric as a comedian anymore. Of late, he has been doing some shitty stuff that end up irritating many people instead of cracking them up. About a month ago, a video went viral of Eric and his girlfriend arguing at an eatery. Many claimed that their relationship was over and that it was all for show. But later on he revealed that the two are still together and that it was an advert. Talk of cheap publicity. Let's not even get to the video renditions he's making with the recent one being Kuliko Jana that raged many people as played a crucifixion part. That was absurd.

6. Avril

Avril is a sweetheart and at least some of you can agree to that. When she sings or talks, one feels like someone is tickling you. Her music career is still growing by the day and has worked with great African artistes. For months, she made headlines after she broke of her engagement to then fiance from South Africa. She claimed that she was going through a lot and wasn't ready to go through with it. But her publicity stunts are funny and ridiculous. Remember a while back when photos went viral of her in bed with another lady (Melissa Nyawade) wearing grandma panties? I bet you do. Back then she was starting out in her music career and she just had to try and stay relevant and gain public limelight. But that didn't go so well as she received the wrath of the public. Recently she posted a photo of herself "heavily pregnant" with the caption, "That awesome moment when you start showing." I mean c'mon Avril, you should have tried harder. Everyone can see through your cheap stunt. At least try harder next time or look for a different angle. Trust me the list is endless, but chew on this for the time being and look out for part two.