This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
Kenyan Copyright Board (KECOBO) issued licenses to three collective management organizations (CMO's) in March 2019, paving the way for the distribution of royalties to artists.
However, the distribution of royalties by MCSK has been met with criticism from some artists, who claim to have received peanuts. King Kaka, Khaligraph Jones, Susan Owiyo, and Willy Paul were among those who expressed disappointment and criticized MCSK.
But 13 artists, including Maji Maji, Ringtone, and Octopizzo, have come out to defend MCSK, saying the ranting artists were misinformed about the distribution process.
According to Maji Maji, the distribution was made as per passed regulations to all 15,000 registered members. He attributed the low royalties to existing ghost members or artists registering family members with only one song released to enjoy the royalties.
Octopizzo urged his fellow artists not to start up another organization to collect license fees on their behalf, as had been suggested. He said that if artists receive peanuts come October, they will raise the issue.
MCSK defended themselves, saying they had collected and distributed Sh44 million in royalties, which was 68 percent of the total collection. The money was collected from small businesses such as barbershops, salons, malls, and PSVs in May and June 2019.
As part of the joint licensing agreement, users of the works were allowed to pay for a single license. The drama is expected to unfold come October, when the Performance in Public Places payable is expected to be paid.
