Denied Approval is a YouTube channel that has received over 5,000,000 total views. Its owner, Kariuki, posts music videos, vlogs, behind-the-scenes footage, tour recaps, exclusive recording studio footage, and much more. Denied Approval is also a clothing brand that sells all kinds of clothes. On its about page on YouTube, the brand describes itself simply as “EVERYTHING CULTURE.”
Beginnings
Starting out in the music industry is always tough, and Kariuki’s was just that. He said that he started out shooting music videos for free. He shot videos for smaller artists just so that he could build his name up in the industry.
“So, I had to basically work double as hard, one to build my name, one to support myself,” he said.
Balance
“You gotta promise yourself before you start that you won’t change who you are and that you won’t quit,” Kariuki said.
Maintaining balance is crucial in the music industry. A person who pursues their dreams in that industry can lose themselves and become a completely different person. Kariuki plans to practice and perfect his balance and make sure that he stays true to himself.
Future
He chose to move back to his hometown to find new talent and bring up artists that are ready to make it.
He said that he moved home so he could, “Continue building, but this time be around my family & community more. [Be]cause remember how I said you don’t wanna change? Well working too hard and not taking care of yourself for 5 years without seeing your family will change you for all the wrong reasons.”
So, if you’re from Kariuki’s original area, bring the pressure so he knows you’re really ready to go up!
