The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has raised serious concerns over the government’s alleged withholding of over Ksh.300 million in royalties collected on behalf of Kenyan musicians. This accusation was voiced by the MCSK’s Chairman, Lazarus Mulli, during the burial of the society’s late CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua’s father, highlighting the ongoing tension between artists, regulators, and the government.
Accusations of Mismanagement and Intimidation
Mulli expressed deep frustration at what he described as troubling and intimidating practices by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), the government agency responsible for managing copyright issues in Kenya. According to Mulli, KECOBO has been redirecting these royalties into a government-controlled account rather than distributing them directly to the musicians who rightfully earned them. This situation, he argues, violates the fundamental principle of copyright management and poses a threat to the livelihood of many artists.
“The regulator’s insistence on taking 30% of the proceeds, despite not being a Collective Management Organization (CMO) or representing any musicians, is creating unnecessary tension and conflict,” Mulli stated. He pointed out that KECOBO’s actions are creating a barrier between artists and their earnings, with Dr. Mutua’s case serving as a prime example of the unfair targeting and mistreatment of musicians by their regulatory body.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
The MCSK Chairman was unequivocal in his demand for President William Ruto to step in and mediate the issue. Mulli argued that the continued withholding of these royalties is a deliberate move by individuals within the government, who are allegedly using their power to control and intimidate the music industry. “This money belongs to the musicians, and it should be released to them in full,” he emphasized.
Mulli’s call for intervention comes at a time when President Ruto has shown a growing concern for the plight of artists in Kenya. During his Jamhuri Day address earlier in December, President Ruto condemned the exploitation of artists by regulatory bodies, criticizing them for not providing musicians with what they are rightfully owed. His statement underscored a broader critique of how regulatory bodies often prioritize their interests over the welfare of artists, many of whom rely on royalties as a primary source of income.
The Impact on Musicians and the Industry
The withholding of Ksh.300 million in royalties is not just a financial issue; it’s a symptom of deeper systemic problems within the Kenyan music industry. For many musicians, royalties are essential for survival, enabling them to continue producing music, invest in their careers, and support their families. The inability to access these funds has left many artists in a precarious financial position, unable to thrive in a highly competitive industry.
Lazarus Mulli and the MCSK have highlighted that this issue has led to a sense of mistrust and frustration among musicians. The ongoing battle with KECOBO has left many questioning the integrity of the management of music copyrights in Kenya. By channeling royalties into government-controlled accounts and taking a cut that isn’t justifiable, critics argue that KECOBO is undermining the essence of copyright as a tool for economic empowerment for artists.
The Need for Reforms
The MCSK’s accusations point to the urgent need for reforms in the management of music royalties in Kenya. The role of KECOBO needs to be reassessed to ensure it is truly representative of the interests of artists. The insistence on taking a percentage of royalties is seen by many as a conflict of interest, with KECOBO acting more as a gatekeeper rather than a facilitator of artists’ rights.
Lazarus Mulli’s call for presidential intervention reflects the desperation of the music community to have their voices heard. With artists feeling marginalized and their work undervalued, President Ruto’s leadership is seen as critical in addressing these injustices. His involvement could pave the way for greater transparency, fairer distribution of royalties, and a more supportive environment for Kenya’s creative sector.
Conclusion
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya’s accusations against the government of withholding Ksh.300 million in royalties for musicians highlight the ongoing challenges facing the music industry in Kenya. The allegations of mismanagement, intimidation, and control by KECOBO underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure that artists receive their rightful earnings. President William Ruto’s involvement could be pivotal in resolving this impasse and ensuring that musicians are no longer exploited by regulatory bodies. As the industry awaits his intervention, the spotlight remains on the need for accountability and fairness in the management of copyright royalties in Kenya.
