Another body to collect artistes’ money

Stevens Muendo

Questions are being raised on the role the newly formed Performing Rights Society of Kenya (PRSK) will be playing as a watchdog for performing artistes. Currently, the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has been acting as the sole body spearheading the rights of artists and implementation of the Copy Right Act.

The new organ which is led by singer Angela Ndambuki aka Angie of Tatuu and overseen by artists Irene Kariuki, Churchil Ndambuki aka Mwalimu King’ang’i, Charles Bukeko aka Papa Shirandula and Idi Achieng among others plans to collect and distribute royalties of its members starting this month.

Ironically, MCSK is the statutory body set up by the Government to oversee such functions. Established under Section 46 of the Copyright Act, No. 7, MCSK is vested with powers to administer the Copyright Act. Among it’s functions is to promote and protect the interest of authors, performers, transistors, publishers and in particular to collect and distribute any royalties or other remuneration accruing to them in respect of their rights.

PRSK is said to been licensed by the Kenya Copyright Board. It consequently joined Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), which works closely with MCSK in its operations.

"Our members who are the performing artistes will be experiencing our good work very soon. We are still talking to MCSK and are optimistic that we will soon strike a deal," Angela said.

"Most performing artistes have not registered with MCSK and we are here to fill that void," Angela added when asked if PRSK’s focus will be on performing artistes.

"This will not necessarily increase the charges we have been collecting for every public performance," said Maurice Okoth the General Manager MCSK.

Celeb husband busted

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Habida to be mother by July

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