The Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi has called out the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) over reports of its skewed financial allocations.
Itumbi in a statement on Wednesday, September 18, alleged that MCSK CEO takes home a staggering Ksh1.4 million monthly while some artists earned as little as Ksh13 throughout 2023.
“I was confronted with an issue that has been brewing in the creative industry for far too long and I was shocked to learn that there was an artist who was paid only 13 Kenya Shillings for an entire year,” Itumbi stated.
“Meanwhile, CEOs tasked with distributing royalties take home monthly salaries of Ksh. 1.4M and 600K—over 16M and 7M per year—while the very artists they rely on are left with literally nothing.”
Itumbi Warns of Royalties Exploitation
Itumbi went on to mention that on top of the alleged salary earned by the CEO, some 33 board members across three collective management organizations (CMOs) are also on comfortable five-figure salaries.
Itumbi said that the imbalance is glaring, but some people are comfortable with the situation because it benefits them directly.
Addressing this disparity, Itumbi emphasized the need for change, highlighting that the law mandates a 70-30 revenue split in favor of artists.
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“The law says 70-30 in favor of the artist, and that is exactly what we’ll ensure happens. It’s time to bring money into the pockets of the creators, not just administrators. We have run our mouths for too long on this issue, it is now time for action,” Itumbi reaffirmed
Itumbi noted that he has already met with key stakeholders, including Kenya Copyright Board chairperson (KECOBO) Joshua Kutuny, to realign the system and ensure artists get their fair share.
“This has to change. Met with KECOBO chair Joshua Kutuny and acting CEO George Nyakweba to discuss how to shift the balance to favor artists—the true heartbeat of the industry. The era of exploitation must end,” he added.
Itumbi emphasized that it’s time to put money where it belongs—”into the pockets of creatives, not administrators.”
Ruto on Artist Royalties
This comes after President William Ruto on August 16 directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to ensure that artistes earn 80 per cent from their royalties.
“At the moment, less than 20 per cent of those resources go to the artistes. Royalty funds are not money for running offices, buying cars or paying salaries. They must reach the artistes,” he said.
Also Read: Itumbi Sparks Debate with Ruto’s HELB Payment Papers
Head of Creative Economy Proposes Digitization of MCSK
Itumbi had earlier in the year proposed the digitization of MCSK in February, pointing to years of inefficiency and vague promises in the current system and arguing that a digital overhaul is needed.
He proposed a government-led initiative to create a digital platform for managing royalties, ensuring transparency and minimizing fraudulent practices.
According to Itumbi , if 80% of MCSK functions are digitized, artists will be able to receive their due compensation promptly and in full.
“Licensing is a matter of regulation to ensure that CMOs are free from fraud. A digital CMO is one way of ensuring that what is collected on behalf of artists reaches them,” he stated.
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