Ministry of Gender, Culture and Arts Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa in a statement on Monday, February 12 countered Public Service CS Moses Kuria’s remarks that the government is planning to have all music copyrights and royalties paid through eCitizen platform.
While acknowledging the validity of CS Kuria’s sentiments, Aisha Jumwa noted that her ministry through the state department of Culture, Arts and Heritage is already working to streamline the music and art industry.
She revealed that her ministry had commenced discussions with stakeholders on streamlining payment of artists, further noting that she would issue a directive on the next course once all is done.
“I like the zeal of my Colleague and Friend Moses Kuria and in the spirit of one government approach this opinion is valid.
“However, my ministry through the state department of Culture, Arts & Heritage is in charge and is working on streamlining the industry,” noted CS Jumwa.
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Aisha Jumwa & Moses Kuria Disagree
Aisha Jumwa’s response came after Moses Kuria noted that the government was spearheading amendments to the Copyright Act to create a government run Collective Management Organization.
CS Kuria revealed that all music copyrights and royalties would henceforth be paid through eCitizen.
“All music, copyrights and royalties will be paid through eCitizen. Our artists will be individually registered. They can view online how much money is collected. Siku 40 za wezi wa jasho ya artists zimeisha,” he stated.
This is what prompted CS Aisha Jumwa to react in disagreement suggesting that the mandate of making decisions revolving around CMOs and royalties falls under her ministry.
Woes Over MCSK Fund Distribution
However, this is not the first hurdle in the music and arts industry.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua and Professor Makau Mutua, engaged in a somewhat unsettling verbal sparring match after the former employed a series of impolite remarks directed at the law Professor.
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Mutua called out several people who opposed his plan to divide Ksh. 20 million among 16,000 MCSK members.
He utilized the occasion to disparage his namesake Makau Mutua, suggesting that he was a false professor and a lazy individual.
“I am seeing a fake professor who lives in America. He runs an eatery in Kitui misleading people that MCSK declared royalty distribution of Ksh20M will be shared equally among our 16000 members, hence every member will get Ksh1,250,” he wrote on X.
On his side Prof Makau Mutua responded to the unwarranted remarks noting that they are beneath the MCSK boss.
“My namesake Ezekiel Mutua no relation I see that you’ve received and internalized my message. A good start. Juvenile insults, however, ought to be beneath a gentleman and an erudite man like you.” he replied.
