The late Angela Chibalonza tops the list of highest paid artists in 2014

          The late Angela Chibalonza    Photo: Courtesy

Angela Chibalonza’s posthumous royalties surpass any other star’s this year, making her the most highly paid singer in 2014.

According to the latest royalty earners' list released by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) last Friday, the late gospel singer emerged top followed by fellow gospel artiste Gloria Muliro in a list dominated by gospel artistes.

Jaguar, who was the highest earner in the last financial year, in which MCSK collected Sh360 million on behalf of their members, was pushed to number three in this 2014 last quarter release. Others in the top 10 category include Ben Mbatha, Dominic Muasya Mbithi, Sauti Sol, P Unit, Sarah K, Nameless and Esther Wahome.

And shocking enough, in the international member category, Tanzania’s Diamond, who emerged top in the last financial year was toppled by Mariah Carey with the likes of Ne-Yo, Kirk Franklin and Chris Brown too featuring on top of the list.

It is a shocker report that sees gospel artistes rule the chart and Mariah Carey prove popular among Kenyan music lovers.

Rose Muhando and Kidum have not been left behind.

“The likes of Sauti Sol and P Unit are literally among the top earners but logically were not the top as their earnings have to be split within the group members, therefore reducing their ratings,” said MCSK CEO Maurice Okoth.

Maurice added that MCSK has developed a system where artistes can themselves log into the society website and check to see that their music is being monitored for airplays. The more airplays an artiste receives the more the earnings.