The Music Copyright Society of Kenya Celebrates First Year

Advertising

In the past businesses didn't know that they should have a licence to play music. MCSK has set about educating the public for that need and by doing so has been able to help artists have addition income.

"The problem has been that music users have not been aware of their obligation to get the licence for the use of music," vice-chairman Tom K'Odiyo said. "Many people were surprised, but are now more than willing to pay up."

By going to businesses the group has seen their members receive a "general collection" of Sh6,000 each. That collection was given to even members whose music had not been played on broadcasting stations.

Getting broadcasting stations to pay for the music they are playing has allowed MCSK to collect about Sh60 million in a year.

The organisation's biggest achievement though is the campaign to bring a new generation of musical artists on board. In the past year Ambassadors of MCSK has seen young artists including genge star Jua Cali, rapper Nonini, Nameless, Amani and Nyota Ndogo, Fundi Frank, Iddi Achieng, Esther Wahome and Jemimah Thiongo shine.

Iddi adds: "As ambassadors of MCSK, we are the ones who go out there and reassure music users that the money they pay for using out music gets to us."

Another highlight this year is seeing local stations playing music of the nation's artists more than in the past.

"The licence is renewable every year, and any other organisation, including Namcos, is free to apply when the times comes. We have done our job fairly and musicians all over the country are our witnesses," says veteran musician Joseph Kamaru, one of MCSK's directors.