Artists from across the country are gearing up to assemble in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 5th next week to present their petitions to various government bodies.
The artists will assemble at the Pioneer Building on Moi Avenue from 9 am where they will voice their concerns and advocate for their rights.
Chairman of Music Associations Alliance of Kenya Mr. Justus Ngemu said the demonstration organized under the hashtags #ArtistsDemo and #PesaKwaMsanii, aims to tackle the challenges confronting the artistic community.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Ngemu said the artists are demanding support from Parliament, the Senate, the Chief Justice, and the Cabinet Secretary for Arts to shed light on the financial hardships many artists have to endure.
“Artists are seeking acknowledgment of their contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and cultural landscape and are calling for measures to bolster and empower the artistic community,” said Ngemu.
He singled out enhanced copyright protection, the recent disputes between artists and Collective Management Organizations with allegations of misappropriation of royalties intended for artists, and the criticisms leveled against the Music Copyright Society of Kenya for its lack of transparency and accountability as some of the primary issues to be addressed in the petition.
Music Associations Alliance of Kenya is a non-profit industry organization registered by the government as an alliance body for music associations in Kenya to promote the interests of songwriters, musicians, managers, publishers, record labels, producers of sound recordings, and promoters.
The Alliance is also involved in policymaking issues impacting the industry and ensuring that any new legislation benefits its’ members.
By Bernadette Khaduli
