Artistes' advocate

After graduating from Law School, Angela Ndambuki, 30, became a member of the girl group Tattu. Now the general manager of Performers Rights Society of Kenya, she speaks to SHIRLEY GENGA about her job

How long have you been the General Manager for PRSK?

Since 2009. The board of directors is made up of Irene Kariuki, Iddi Achieng, Dan Ndambuki aka Churchill, Charles Bukeko aka Papa Shirandula, Packson Ngugi, David Mathenge aka Nameless, Robert Kamanzi (Rkay), and James Milulu.

Originally, I was working at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

When Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRSK) offered me the position, I had a tough decision to make, but when all is said and done, I’m an artiste at heart.

I wanted a job where I could be both a performer and a lawyer; my current job enables me to use both my creative skills as a performer and analytical skills as a lawyer.

What has been the experience so far?

Many may have heard of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) but not of PRSK, which came into existence in 2008. While MRSK collects royalties on behalf of composers, authors, publishers and arrangers, PRSK collects for performers. Before PRSK came into existence, performers of songs would not get royalties, but now they do.

Angela Ndambuki

For example, because I wrote the song Teso, and Shinde sang it, MCSK pays me for writing the song and PRSK pays Shinde for performing the song.

The system is working the way it should. Finally Kenya is catching up with the rest of the world in recognising copyright and performer’s rights.

What is your job as the general manager?

My work has been to set up the society and keep it running. At first it was abit challenging for the organisation to carve out its own niche and to develop its own identity but with time and hard work it is finally coming of age.

We have had discussions with the broadcasters and the Media Owners Association. Further, the hotel industry as well is supportive.

Now more people are encouraged to sing, write and produce. We even have a society for the producers called the Kenya Association of Music Producers, who we are currently working with.

I can’t express the joy I feel when I see all these societies strive to support the creative arts industry in Kenya.

How did you get into the arts?

I first met Debbie and Shinde in 1998 at Phoenix Theatre; we just clicked and have been friends since then. We had a love for performing and I think that was what drew us together. We acted in so many musicals — including Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella. We also did plays at the French Cultural Centre and British Council.

I have always had a passion for acting I not only got to act on stage but also on films such as Loved and alive, Why me? and Forgotten, I also acted in the TV drama, Makutano Junction. I also did some television advertisements such as Kencell, Posta, Big G and Trust.

When did you form Tattu?

Tattuu was formed in 2002. At the time, apart from being in school and acting, we were also back-up dancers for Nameless.

When picking our name we decided to go simple and local. We were three members and we were thinking of getting tattoos — hence the name Tattu.

I wrote the song Teso while in class during a a boring International Law lesson.

After that the girls and I got together and went to the studio and released our first song, which ended up being a huge hit in 2003.

It actually took nine months in the studio so we usually say in jest that it’s our baby.

Is tattuu finally calling it quits?

After eight years of being together we are taking a break to do individual projects.

We are good friends, constantly in touch, and we go through things together. We fight and make up — we are like sisters.

How is it being a mother?

I have been with Roy Mutungi, a software engineer, since 2004 and we are planning to wed soon.

We have a four-year-old daughter named Tili — it means light in Kamba, and my mum got the name in a dream. Being a mother is a beautiful experience but it is also challenging, you have to learn to prioritise your time.

I have learnt not to compromise on family time.