This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Kenya's showbiz industry is in turmoil after the Copyright Board (Kecobo) announced a Sh200,000 fee for a special broadcaster licence. The licence targets DJs who host performances on social media live platforms during the pandemic.
Local musicians have voiced concerns over copyright infringement and exploitation. Kecobo clarified that the licence applies to DJs who perform at unlicensed venues or who aren't attached to licensed business premises.
According to Kecobo, the tariff fee for DJs' performance is Sh10,000 annually or Sh750 per event payable to the CMOs joint license. A cluster of DJs have decided to 'blacklist' Kenyan music in their online play sets until the copyright board waives the fees.
Crème de la Crème, a turntablist and producer, explained that DJs are not making a lot of money by playing their songs. He urged finding a balance for everyone involved.
On matters legal, Kecobo stated that in an instance where one is found to have infringed upon the said copyrights and a formal complaint has been filed, one will face the law in accordance to the Copyright Act.
Published on June 5, 2020
