Ezekiel Mutua Responds To Bien-led Low Payment Outcry

Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO, Ezekiel Mutua, has finally reacted to an expose` by Kenyan musicians, led by Bien of Sauti Sol over low music royalties payments.

In a section with bloggers during an event, Mutua said that eforts are underway trying to amend the royalties distribution adding that the highest-paid musician had received Sh330K while the lowest had received Sh600.

“They used to get Sh1K. I think the highest has received Sh330K while the lowest has received Sh637. We are trying and remember we are doing this without a license, we are going through a lot of challenges with a regulator.”

“Our hope is now once we streamline things, musicians will make money. We had a choice to make when we got Sh15 million whether to distribute or not. We knew some would be happy while others would not because it depends on the airplay,” Mr Mutua added.

Bien had shared a screenshot of his royalties payment from the organization which according to him was very low. Oga Obinna also shared Sh. 258 amount he received from MCSK after which several artists joined with complains.

The CEO however expressed his faith in the growth of MCSK in the near future as he urged more Kenyan artists to register with the body to work together for success adding that MCSK is not solely focused on distributing royalties, but also providing musicians with health cover and offer a platform for investment through the MCSK Sacco.

Mutua had recently visited South Africa with other Kenyan leaders to explore ways of monetizing content on digital platforms.He noted that the remaining steps involved putting regulations in place and devising a strategy for implementing the plan.