Update records if you want payment: Ezekiel Mutua tells musicians

 MCSK CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua [Joseph Kipsang, Standard]

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has urged musicians to update their records if they want to get royalty payments.

Mutua said some artistes constantly complain that they have not been paid yet they only submit a handful of songs.

“We need members to update their music catalogues, and provide their KRA PIN, ID, Mpesa numbers and/or bank accounts.

“You don't just get royalty payments because you are musician. You are paid because you are a member and you have updated your records. Some artists do not take their hustle seriously. Someone has over 100 songs out there but they have only submitted one or two,” he said.

Mutua shed light on how the copyright business works and urged musicians to familiarize themselves with intellectual property rights.

“Copyright is a personal asset. We may associate you with a song but we cannot pay you until you register it with us yourself. That's how the Copyright business works. This is your shamba or duka. It's a personal property. You have to take time and register it,” he added.

A fortnight ago, the MCSK boss explained how royalties were distributed to its 16,000 members and the methods employed to allocate the Sh20million collected every quarter.

“Scientific distribution refers to the actual airplay of members’ works within the period under review. However, there are members whose songs get minimal or no airplay at all, but because they are our members the Board allocates some general amounts in line with MCSK distribution rules.

“If you did your song in the 70s and it’s not played on radio or in public places, you settle for the general token,” he said.

Mutua added that MCSK was closely working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure members were given their rightful share of royalties.