Kenyans were disappointed that the list lacked big makeup artists and skincare content creators and was flocked by our everyday influencers.
It was only after the event that many noticed the absence of a significant cog in the wheel of the industry, and that was the makeup artists and beauty gurus, whose proficiency in the field is greatly relied on by the majority of prospective consumers of the products, giving off a tone of favoritism that went into the organization.
The artists took to social media to ask the event’s organizers why they weren’t invited or why they didn’t get the PR packages that were given to influencers from various fields such as culinary arts, comedy, and lifestyle, among others, all of whom appealed to an audience that was vastly different from the brand’s target market.
https://twitter.com/misskamau_/status/1530232167359467520?s=20&t=LpqrzlAJu8bfnlsZuWHBtg
Photos from the Fenty launch in Kenya have reminded me why I have to work out. Maybe we're just out of shape as a country, si nguo ziko na shida 😅
— Wanderer 📚 (@Vannna_) May 28, 2022
Miss Universe Kenya 2019 and Miss Universe Kenya 2021 Miss Stacy Michuki expressed her dissatisfaction on Instagram stories.
She penned,
“Wait, so this was a beauty launch and we did not have beauty gurus like Muthoni Njoba, Eman Sallal, and Steve Koby just to mention a few. And so many other amazing upcoming MUA (Make-up artists) in attendance?? Hmmm!”
All I know about make up I learned from Rosina Sharon ..Watching her YouTube videos has been a life changer. It's a pity she doesn't get the recognition she deserves. She should have been on that Fenty line up. She's amazing to say the least
— The Funny Introvert 🕊 (@Missanniemburu) May 28, 2022
Rosina Sharon, a YouTuber with over 600,000 subscribers, was among the disgruntled makeup artists. She complained of being ignored by the organizers and the mistaken belief that the influencers at the event would persuade Kenyan consumers to buy the brand’s products because they, too, were beneficiaries of their artists’ services.
“You didn’t invite the only people who know what beauty product should work best to fit the needs of the consumer,” she wrote on her Instagram account.
I thought Fenty launch was meant for makeup artists,skin care influencers and the likes🌚🌚🌚🌚
— Sophiey❤️ (@sophiey_obarah) May 27, 2022
Gaylyne Ayugi, a veteran Kenyan model and beauty pageant titleholder who was elected Miss Universe Kenya 2014 and represented Kenya at the Miss Universe 2014 contest, expressed her disappointment on social media.
She stated that she was not surprised because she had anticipated the event to be a social gathering of our everyday influencers
“But didn’t we already say this event was gonna be a meetup for the kawaida influencers who go for everything but do not deliver. We expected looks to be served… so far I’ve seen some an wueh, just laughing. I don’t tire for this your influencers.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbkonZutnWa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Ayugi said she lacked words because that was clownery at its finest because in her own words,
“Who wrote that PR list, because who have to explain to us like little children how a food blogger, a man to be precise who does not do anything skin/beauty related received a PR package.”
Stephanie Cherono, a professional makeup artist, echoed her comments, expressing disappointment with the invitation list for failing to convey the inclusivity that the brand has long promoted in its marketing efforts.
“People who don’t even wear makeup, let alone Fenty,” she bemoaned.
https://twitter.com/cherono_s/status/1530296426818830338?s=20&t=5WihQPFuF86F_bNJRNf2ww
Dennis Karuri, Creative Phil, Michelle Ngoje, Wachuka Thimba, and Mwaju Chaks, among others who have rattled the industry with their talent in the profession, were among those who missed their invitation.
Patience P, a fashion and lifestyle content producer, compared our debut to that of other nations, and here’s what she had to say:
“Having gone through Nigerian and South African Fenty launches, one thing is for sure, they have a proper distribution on how they invite their influencers. Not the same damn faces at every event. Let us have a proper filter on who goes and attends what.”
Mitchele Adhiambo, a burgeoning lifestyle digital content creator, also offered her thoughts on the lack of diversity and the same faces that were seen at Fenty’s premiere.
“I needed to look up other countries Fenty launch because I felt there was something wrong with this event on our side…. we need to pull all industries houses in order in our country.” She stated.
We’ll probably spend the rest of our lives comparing ourselves to South Africa and Nigeria, as they continue to rise while we struggle and make such moves all the time.
What can we learn from Kenya #FentyBeauty launch
Majority of Kenyans are dissatisfied that the fenty list omitted major cosmetics artists, beauty & skin care content creators, despite da fact that it was flooded with our everyday influencers#FentyAfrica #FentyXEdgars #Fentykenya pic.twitter.com/WyavyE92YN— Nairobi fashion hub (@FashionNairobi) May 28, 2022
Content Courtesy Capital FM Lifstyle, Mpasho of & NFH
