The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has distributed royalties to the tune of Sh20 million to Kenyan artists in the first scientifically calculated pay-out based on audio-visual play and logs from the various media stations.
Under the stewardship of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua, MCSK assigned assets to meriting craftsmen, recognizing their commitment to Kenya’s energetic music industry.
Mutua stressed MCSK’s obligation to support and enable artists, guaranteeing fair conveyance of sovereignties to defend their livelihoods.
“We aim to have another meeting like this in April, August, October and November where we will distribute more money for you artists and ensure you get what you truly deserve,” he pledged while addressing artists and members who had gathered in Nairobi.
The CEO highlighted the significant job of specialists in molding social accounts and engaging crowds both locally and globally emphasizing MCSK’s commitment to advancing the interests of specialists and encouraging a flourishing music industry that reverberates both locally and universally.
Some of the artists who were awarded cheques on stage include Joseph Ngala Katana receiving Sh101, 032, Solomon Mkubwa received Sh74, 138, Nelly Wambui received Sh52, 000, Milicent Jepkorir (Mali Safi) received Sh108, 123.
Further, artists with disability were also feted including Reuben Kigame and Denis Karanja popularly known as Deno where the former received a cheque worth Sh122, 741.
According to MCSK’s royalty results, the top artists in Nairobi included Otile Brown, Nyashinski, Samidoh, Bien Alusa, Juacali and Florence Mureithi.
Appreciation and excitement reverberated amongst the artists as they accepted their hard-earned royalties with many expressing sincere appreciation for the Government’s commitment through MCSK to uplift the lives of local artists by way of monetary support to inspire and encourage them to improve their craftsmanship.
MCSK together with Performers Right Society of Kenya (PRISK) and the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) were duly licensed by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) as Collective Management Organizations (CMO) to collect copyright and related works license fees for the year 2023.
Additionally, MCSK also presented its 2024 planned activities and ways it hopes to improve its collections and improve members’ welfare through training.
By Stacie Angaya and Elvis Ngaruiya
