Musicians cry foul over royalties

By Joe Kiarie

The Music Copyright Society of Kenya may have enhanced its reputation but several musicians accuse the organisation of lack of management professionalism and inability to fairly collect and distribute royalties.

Veteran musicians, whose tracks are regularly played on air, are incensed by MCSK’s management.

They claim they are short-changed because they are paid equal royalties with musicians who "can only claim a single track that is never played".

"It is unfortunate that I have so many songs that are often played yet I am paid the same amount as someone who just has one song," says musician Daniel Kamau, popularly known as DK.

John De’Mathew also accuses MCSK officials of incompetence.

"We have always tried to raise this point during meetings but the point has always been shot down by MCSK officials, who conspire with little-recognised musicians who are willing to take meagre amounts," De’Mathew alleges.

Similar claims have in the past been aired by several music groups, among them the rival National Music Copyright Society, which is led by singer Joseph Kamaru.

Exorbitant amounts

By last year, MCSK members were paid a base sum of Sh6,000 every six months, with the highest payment amounting to just Sh300,000. A veteran musician who sought anonymity noted the total sum paid out is trivial, compared to the Sh70 million collected. He accused MCSK of spending exorbitantly on administration.

But Jacqueline Oduor, the distribution officer at MCSK, refutes the claims. She says ‘general distribution’ royalties are paid to members on a quarterly basis.

"When it comes to music that is played on radio or television, royalties are paid based on how often one’s music has been played, with veterans receiving the most," she notes.

 

 

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