Otile Brown Fires Back at ‘Overrated’ Tag from Savara and Bensoul
Kenyan singer Otile Brown has found himself at the centre of a heated debate after fellow musicians Savara Mudigi and Bensoul labelled him as “overrated.”
While some artists might shy away from such scrutiny, Otile responded with confidence, sparking a wider conversation about talent, perception, and individuality in the music industry.
Savara, a member of the celebrated group Sauti Sol, made the remark during a recent podcast interview, naming Otile as the most overrated artist in East Africa.
Bensoul had also previously criticized Otile’s vocal delivery, describing it as nasal and unconventional.
These comments ignited discussions among fans and industry insiders, with opinions split on what defines true musical greatness.
Rather than reacting defensively, Otile took to social media with a mix of humour and self-assurance.
He playfully embraced the critique, dubbing himself “Bwana Mpua number 1” (loosely translating to “Mr Nasal Number 1”), flipping the criticism into a personal brand statement.
His response turned the conversation into one about individuality and the subjective nature of music appreciation.
Fans quickly joined the debate, with some rallying behind Otile, highlighting his chart-topping hits and influence in Kenyan music.
Others agreed with Savara and Bensoul, questioning whether Otile’s success was a product of skill or hype.
Beyond the controversy, the exchange underscores a common theme in the arts—differing opinions that fuel creative growth, or better yet, it could be a stunt to keep the different artists relevant.