This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta led thousands of mourners in sending off Benga music icon John Mwangi Ng'ang'a, also known as John De'Mathew, in Gatanga, Murang'a County.
During the funeral service, the President announced plans to move the Kenya Copyright Board from the Office of the Attorney General to the Ministry of ICT, a move aimed at protecting musicians from exploitation.
The President stated that the Ministry of ICT is the right home for the copyright board, as it can effectively monitor broadcasters, telecoms, and other entities that use productions by artistes.
He instructed the Ministry of ICT to ensure that artistes receive their dues, including royalties, before the renewal of licenses for broadcasters and telecoms.
The President also ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe organisations that collect money on behalf of musicians, following allegations of embezzlement.
He encouraged Members of Parliament to push through an amendment to the copyright laws pending in parliament, aimed at protecting the interests of artists.
As a tribute to De'Mathew, the President announced the establishment of a Sh10 million studio at Kirwarwa within Gatanga Constituency.
