Comedian Ordered to Pay Ksh200,000 for His Show

The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has ordered comedian MC Jessy to pay Ksh200,000 to be licensed to do his comedy show.

In a statement on Monday, December 9, Mc Jessy stated that he had received an invoice requiring him to pay the amount before his much-publicized show titled ‘+ or—40’.

“MCSK has the audacity to order me to pay 200 000 Kenya shillings ati ndio nifanye show(so that I can do my show). For me to step on that stage I have to pay on that stage, I have to pay (Ksh)200,000,” said Jessy.

He posted the joint invoice sent to him by MCSK, Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), and the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK). The invoice indicated the money was for a joint copyright and an operating license.

 Music organizations should not regulate a comedy show

The comedian, while explaining how he is marketing the event, said his is a comedy show and therefore could not understand the place of the three music associations in regulating a comedy show.

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“We are planning an event called plus or minus 40. It’s a comedy show, this is not music. Where is comedy in CAMP, MCSK or PRISK? Nimeng’ang’ana na team, niko na skaters tao wananitafutia watu, tunang’angana tueke billboard ndio mkue na show kali. (I’m working hard, I have skaters in town marketing the show so that we can have a great show.),” said MC Jessy.

He further said that he has been warned that he will be arrested should he fail to pay the money.

MC Jessy declines to pay the money

Jessy stated that he does not intend to pay the money and dared the regulators to arrest him. He also stated that it is unfair for them to come for artists’ hard-earned money as opposed to supporting them and sponsoring such shows.

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“I will not pay, kujeni mnishike. Sisi tung’ang’ane kucreate industry yetu na nyinyi mnakaa kwa ofisi niwalipe 200,000 badala  mkue sponsors. (Come and arrest me, How do we work hard to build our industry while you sit in the office and ask for Ksh200 000, instead of sponsoring the show) Dr. Ezekiel Mutua come for me. I dare you,” ended the comedian.

MC Jessy is set to perform a comedy show titled ‘+ or—40’ on December 11, 2024. The show will take place at Sk8city in Nairobi at 6 p.m.