MCSK CRACKDOWN MEANS MO MONEY FOR THE ARTISTES

In July last year the Music Copyright Society of Kenya and Kenya Association of Music Producers launched the campaign Usikatisie Ngoma. Here, the society promised to keep the music playing by ensuring the artistes get paid royalties for their musical efforts. At the launch, which was held at the Wasanii Restaurant, MCSK announced they had made collections on royalties of up to Sh42 million for 2007.
Now, MCSK officials are on the streets impounding public service vehicles, which have not complied with the industries regulations of paying for the music they play. The crackdown was also carried out with the help of the police on major city routes.
Millicent Wasonga, an MCSK official said many PSV drivers are flouting the rules yet they know they have to comply, adding that only musicians who have registered are entitled to receive part of the proceeds every month that range from as low as Sh10,000 to Sh80,000 per musician.
“The crackdown is to ensure that the country’s musicians reap from what they sow. The more your music is played, the more you get paid. For instance Nameless received Sh80,000 for his music,” said Elam Asila who was part of the crackdown team.