The Collective Management Organization (CMO) collected and disbursed Ksh37 million in copyright and license fees to artists in the country through the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) during the last six months of last year.Following the use of the new transparent electronic systems dubbed ‘scientific’ to calculate the royalties payout, the highest beneficiary received 400,000 shillings according to MCSK Chairman Japheth Kassanga.
Kassanga said 60{d59e984f9fbc5c09e4ab0305e27bfa5819922b7230cd324f89a660f78358ca33} of the amount will be distributed through data from radio and TV airplay and 40{d59e984f9fbc5c09e4ab0305e27bfa5819922b7230cd324f89a660f78358ca33} shall be distributed generally to members.
Gospel artists Chritina Shusho, Mercy Masika and Eunice Njeri Mathenge are among the top earners. Each one of them has received a cheque of their amount set for them. MCSK has also urged broadcasters, who are the biggest consumers of copyrighted artistical work to support local artists so as to enable them earn.
Speaking exclusively to Hope TV New watch, Eunice Njeri expressed confidence with the current MCSK board saying artists now have a reason to work even harder so as to earn more.
The Governing Council of MSCK had postponed the distribution of the royalties collected from Performances in Public Places (PPP) that ought to have commenced as from 31st October 2019 due to the prevailing circumstances at the time, that were occasioned by extensive and protracted engagement with the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and the Kenya Copyright Board, which culminated to the signing of an MOU on 20th December 2019.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, the Council apologized to all the right holders members of MCSK for the delayed distribution of royalties collected from PPP.