“The highest paid musician got 330K” – Ezekiel Mutua on recent MCSK royalties payout

Sarah Mueni May 4, 2023

1 minute read

Ezekiel Mutua on recent MCSK royalties payout

According to Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), the highest-paid artist received Sh330,000 in the most recent royalties distribution by the Collective Management Organization (CMO).

MCSK delivered the royalties to its more than 16,000 members two weeks ago in accordance with the public notice it published on February 27, 2023.

“The highest earner received three hundred and thirty thousand while the lowest earner was six hundred and thirty seven,” Mutua disclosed.

But as its been the norm for ages, a majority of artistes were displeased with the amounts they received and were quick to blast the CMO via their social media platforms.

Bien Aime, shared an Mpesa screenshot revealing he received Sh14,634 while comedian Oga Obinna who moonlights as a musician shared a similar Mpesa screenshot disclosing Sh258 from MCSK.

Sautisol's Bien clash with Khaligraph over MCSK ‘peanuts’ paid as royalties — Sautisol’s Bien clash with Khaligraph over MCSK ‘peanuts’ paid as royalties

This is despite Mutua stating that the list amount that was paid out was Sh637.

Bien acknowledged that it was an improvement over the Sh2,500 he received the previous year, but the Sauti Sol member said MCSK can do better in terms of how royalties are distributed.

But Mutua insisted that the CMO’s most recent distribution was an improvement over prior years in order to defend the CMO.

“Its quit a trial, we have tried because they (artistes) used to get Sh1,000 and remember we are doing this distribution without a license, we have gone through a lot of challenges with the regulator and our hope is that once we streamline things musician will make money.”

MCSK and Kenya Copyrights Board of Kenya (KECOBO) have been at odds over compliance, and the regulator has failed to grant them an operating license for 2023.

According to the public announcement from MCSK, the royalties given out were for broadcasting class and performance in public places (PPP). According to MCSK, the royalties were dispersed in accordance with the judgement in High Court Civil Suit No. E035 of 2023 and its instructions.

Despite KECOBO’s decision to not renew the CMO’s operating license for 2023, the court granted MCSK a reprieve to continue collecting royalties for its members.