Kenyan comedian MC Jessy has found himself at odds with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), accusing the organization of unfairly demanding a hefty Ksh200,000 payment ahead of his upcoming comedy show. The comedian’s defiance not only highlights the tensions between artists and copyright bodies but also raises crucial questions about how copyright regulations are applied to different forms of entertainment.
The MCSK’s Demand and the Backlash
MC Jessy, whose real name is Jasper Muthomi, recently revealed that he received a threatening call from MCSK demanding Ksh200,000 to stage his comedy show. This fee was ostensibly required because he planned to use music primarily Kenyan music during his performance. According to Jessy, the call was aggressive and came with warnings of legal action and even arrest if the payment was not made. This led the comedian to publicly express his frustration, sharing a recording of the call to SPM Buzz where he described feeling belittled and disrespected as an artist.
The comedian’s main grievance was the assumption by MCSK that he would play music during his comedy show. MC Jessy explained in an interview that his show does not rely on music; rather, it focuses on his comedic acts and the performance of other comedians. He questioned how the MCSK arrived at the Ksh200,000 figure, especially since there was no guarantee of using music. “I told them, ‘Who told you I’m going to play music?’” he said, further emphasizing that he had planned to incorporate Kenyan music into his routine in a way that did not require MCSK’s intervention.
A Direct Approach to Compensate Artists
Frustrated with MCSK’s demands and the perceived pressure to pay the hefty sum, MC Jessy chose a different route. Instead of paying the MCSK, he vowed to directly compensate the individual musicians whose songs he intended to perform during his comedy show. “I’ll contact the artists and ask how much I should pay them directly. I know they’d earn more that way than by going through MCSK,” Jessy stated defiantly on social media. This approach not only seeks to sidestep what he views as a bureaucratic and costly system but also ensures that the artists themselves receive fair remuneration for their work.
By opting to go this route, MC Jessy has sparked a wider debate on the relevance and impact of MCSK’s licensing demands, particularly on non-music events. Critics argue that the MCSK’s requirements are outdated and not reflective of the diverse ways in which Kenyan artists now perform and are compensated. The demand for Ksh200,000 for a comedy show, where the primary content is not musical, seems overly bureaucratic and disconnected from the practical realities of contemporary entertainment.
Financial Strain and the Pressure to Comply
MC Jessy’s frustration is also rooted in the financial strain he has experienced in organizing the event. The comedian revealed that he has already spent a significant amount on logistics, marketing, and production for the show. The added pressure of a potential arrest or show cancellation has only added to his stress. “I’ve spent a lot to make this event successful,” Jessy noted on Instagram. “Now they’re telling me I’ll be arrested if I proceed with my own comedy show without paying Ksh200,000.”
Jessy’s stance has resonated with many in the entertainment industry who feel that regulatory bodies like the MCSK have overstepped their mandate, particularly when it comes to performances that do not directly rely on music. The comedian’s decision to defy MCSK’s demands and risk arrest for hosting a music-free show underscores the need for more flexible copyright policies in Kenya, ones that take into account the evolving landscape of live entertainment and content creation.
A Call for Reform
The incident with MC Jessy highlights the broader challenges faced by artists and event organizers in Kenya who often find themselves at odds with copyright enforcement bodies. The MCSK’s blanket approach to licensing fees, without considering the nature of the event or the usage of music, has come under scrutiny. There are calls for more nuanced regulations that better align with the diverse ways in which Kenyan artists perform and are compensated today.
For now, MC Jessy remains resolute in his stance, promising to continue with his show regardless of the legal threats. “Let them come and arrest me,” he declared, making it clear that he will not allow MCSK’s demands to stifle his creativity or financial viability. As the show goes on, it’s clear that this incident will serve as a critical moment for both the MCSK and the wider entertainment industry in Kenya as they navigate the complexities of copyright in a digital age.
