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The Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) has acquired the operational licence allowing the body to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music producers.
The license extension awarded on the 4th of May by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) will allow KAMP to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music producers in the country for a period of one year. This is an extension from their previous license which ran for a shorter duration between January 2023 and expired in April.
The issuance of the operation license followed the completion of a forensic audit into royalty distribution and meeting all the set requirements by the board as had been recommended by Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
KAMP can now get into licensing agreements with various music users, including radio and television stations, bars, and restaurants.
KECOBO's Chief Executive director Edward Sigei commended KAMP for the achievement, urging the association to continue operating within the confines of the law and maintaining professional standards in their undertakings.
"KAMP has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the royalties of music producers. This full-year license is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we encourage them to continue upholding the same standards," Sigei said.
KAMP's CEO Maurice Okoth exuded optimism, noting that smooth operations without hiccups will be an advantage for the livelihoods of creatives dependent on their talent.
"When we have such compliance where we can operate with minimal hiccups, then the future for the music industry is even brighter," he said.
Veteran music producer Muriki Verony welcomes the move, admitting that artistes have historically struggled to receive compensation for their work.
"As a member who went for years without receiving any royalties, it is commendable to see KAMP take this step," he tells the Nairobian. "But at the end of the day, there is much more that can be done."
"A huge chunk of royalties still remains in the hands of users, especially broadcasting royalties. The Communications Authority should be denying licences to users who refuse to pay royalties, but that has not come to fruition. This lack of enforcement is a big concern."
"Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new era of transparent distribution of royalties. We look forward to a 30/70 distribution regime, with the 30 going to administrative costs and 70 distributed to members."
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