Lang’ata MP and media personality Jalang’o has addressed allegations that popular entertainer DJ Cahill was not compensated for performing at several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rallies, urging creatives to always formalise professional engagements.
The issue emerged after DJ Cahill took to social media to air his frustrations, claiming he had participated in multiple ODM-related events without receiving payment for his services.
The deejay alleged that despite dedicating his time and resources to energise crowds at political rallies, he was either underpaid or not paid at all.
His remarks sparked widespread debate online, with many Kenyans questioning how artists involved in high-profile political events could allegedly go uncompensated.
However, Jalang’o has now offered a different perspective after personally reaching out to the entertainer.
“I have spoken to DJ Cahill regarding his claims that ODM owes him payment for services rendered at several rallies. According to him, he voluntarily attended and performed at these events without being formally engaged or contracted by anyone from the party,” Jalang’o said.
The legislator emphasised that the situation should serve as a crucial lesson to artists, event service providers, and other professionals in the entertainment industry.
“This serves as an important lesson for artists and service providers: never undertake professional work without a clear agreement in place.
Always ensure there is a contract outlining the scope of work and payment terms, and where possible, secure payment before delivering your services,” he added.
Jalang’o further noted that professional arrangements are necessary to avoid misunderstandings that can later escalate into public disputes.
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“Professional engagements require professional arrangements to avoid misunderstandings and disputes,” he stated.
The controversy had gained traction after DJ Cahill publicly lamented what he described as repeated instances of offering entertainment services during political functions without receiving proper compensation.
His concerns resonated with many creatives who argued that artists often face exploitation, especially during political seasons when their talents are used to attract and entertain supporters.
The incident has also reignited conversations around the treatment of creatives in Kenya and the importance of contracts in the entertainment industry.
Industry stakeholders have consistently advised artists to document agreements, no matter how informal an engagement may appear.
In recent years, several entertainers have come forward with claims of delayed payments, breached agreements, and verbal promises that failed to materialise.
Experts argue that signed contracts protect both clients and service providers by clearly outlining responsibilities, timelines, and remuneration.
While Jalang’o’s clarification appears to absolve ODM of direct responsibility in this particular case, it has highlighted a broader challenge facing Kenya’s creative sector, the tendency to rely on goodwill rather than legally binding agreements.
As the debate continues online, many Kenyans have backed the MP’s advice, calling on artists to treat their craft as a business and ensure every engagement is backed by proper documentation.
The development comes amid increasing recognition of the creative economy’s contribution to employment and national growth, with calls growing louder for stronger protections for artists and other cultural workers.
Whether DJ Cahill’s experience becomes a turning point remains to be seen, but one message has emerged clearly from the discussion: talent deserves professional respect, and professional respect begins with clear agreements.
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