Highest paid musician earned Sh330,000 in recent MCSK royalties payout
Dr Ezekiel Mutua, Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO, has disclosed that the highest artiste cashed in Sh330,000 in the latest distribution of royalties by the Collective Management Organization (CMO).
Two weeks ago, MCSK distributed the royalties to its over 16,000 members as per the public notice it issued on February 27, 2023.
“The highest earner received three hundred and thirty thousand while the lowest earner was six hundred and thirty seven,” Mutua disclosed.
But as its been the norm for ages, a majority of artistes were displeased with the amounts they received and were quick to blast the CMO via their social media platforms.
Bien Aime, shared an Mpesa screenshot revealing he received Sh14,634 while comedian Oga Obinna who moonlights as a musician shared a similar Mpesa screenshot disclosing Sh258 from MCSK. This is despite Mutua stating that the list amount that was paid out was Sh637.
Even though Bien noted that it was an improvement from the Sh2,500 he received last year, the Sauti Sol member insisted MCSK can do better as far as distribution of royalties is concerned.
But in the defense of the CMO, Mutua insisted that their latest distribution was an improvement compared to the past years.
“Its quit a trial, we have tried because they (artistes) used to get Sh1,000 and remember we are doing this distribution without a license, we have gone through a lot of challenges with the regulator and our hope is that once we streamline things musician will make money.”
MCSK has been locked in a tussle with Kenya Copyrights Board Of Kenya (KECOBO) over compliance with the regulator yet to issue them with an operating license for 2023.
In the public notice, MCSK stated that the royalties distributed were for performance in public places (PPP) and broadcasting class. MCSK stated that it distributed the royalties in line with the directions and outcome of the ruling in High Court Civil Suit No E035 of 2023.
MCSK was handed a reprieve by the court to continue collecting royalties for its members despite KECOBO opting not to renew the CMO’s operational license for 2023.
Also read: Its immoral! Senior Ministry of Education official brands holiday homework as foolish