Musician Masterpiece has finally addressed the swirling rumors about ghostwriting in his latest song, Mapacke. In the track, he openly acknowledges Scar Mkadinali’s influence, rapping:
“Ni ukweli Scar ameniandikia lakini mi nmemwandika.”
This translates to, “It’s true that Scar has written for me, but I’ve also written for him.” With this revelation, Masterpiece confirms that Scar, a key member of Wakadinali, has played a role in shaping his lyrics.
Fan Reactions and the Ghostwriting Buzz
Speculation about Masterpiece using a ghostwriter began when fans noticed a distinct change in his flow and lyricism after he started collaborating with Scar. His delivery, hooks, and even punchlines carried the signature style of Scar, leading fans to question his songwriting authenticity.
Here’s how some fans reacted:
- “You can tell Scar wrote this, but it’s catchy, so I’ll listen.”
- “I’ve listened to Masterpiece for a while this is definitely not him.”
- “This is all Scar! The flow, the hook, everything!”
- “Scar featuring Scar.”
- “It’s not a big deal to have someone write for you even international artists do it.”
- “I don’t care who wrote it, I’m just here for the music.”
Despite the divided opinions, many acknowledge that ghostwriting is common in the music industry. Global superstars often collaborate with songwriters, and in Kenya, the trend is no different. Rather than diminishing an artist’s credibility, such collaborations can enhance the quality of music.
A Winning Partnership
Masterpiece and Scar Mkadinali have been working together since early last year, and their partnership has yielded rap hits that resonate with Kenyan audiences. Their joint efforts have produced tracks such as:
- Utaniget
- Air BnB
- One Legeh
- Kichwa Mbaya
- Vile Inafaa
Masterpiece’s latest album, Escobar, has further fueled conversations about his artistic direction. Once known for his gospel music, the rapper’s new project leans heavily towards hardcore rap, featuring The Rong Rende, Domani Munga, and Sewersydaa. The shift has left fans debating whether he has completely abandoned gospel music or is merely exploring new sounds.
Is Masterpiece the Next King of Kenyan Rap?
With a fresh wave of high-energy releases, Masterpiece has positioned himself as one of Kenya’s most consistent rap artists in 2024. His ability to deliver engaging content, backed by strong collaborations, is making waves in the industry. He has already released over five high-quality music videos this year, showing no signs of slowing down.
While some critics argue that ghostwriting undermines authenticity, others see it as a necessary tool for artistic evolution. If Masterpiece continues on this trajectory, could he be on his way to claiming the title of Kenya’s greatest rapper?
