Dennis Itumbi has weighed in on the debate, advocating for government intervention to reform the collection and distribution process of royalties. This move aims to address the high administrative costs at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).
While expressing his concerns on X, Itumbi criticized MCSK CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, highlighting the stark contrast between the meagre royalties paid to musicians and the substantial earnings of collectors. He questioned the sustainability of this model and advocated for greater empowerment of artists.
“Dear Ezekiel Mutua, we are paying musicians peanuts as royalties and paying the collectors millions. Do you find nothing wrong with that model? Musicians get PEANUTS per year. CMOS CEO gets 1.3M per month. Hapana! Let us empower our artists, on that, like Paul in Scripture, my eyes are firmly on the finishing line!” wrote Itumbi
Ezekiel Mutua responded by affirming the autonomy of collective management organizations (CMOs) such as MCSK and their separation from government influence.
He underscored the voluntary nature of CMOs and their independence, asserting that government intervention in their operations, which are regulated by their articles of association and bylaws, is unwarranted.
“We are all for accountability, we are all for technology, but we are just against government interference in private property,” Mutua said.
Itumbi went ahead to proposed a government-led initiative to create a digital platform for managing royalties, ensuring transparency and minimizing fraudulent practices.
Once eCitizen takes over the collection and distribution of royalties, avenues for fraud will be cut off, and artists will monitor their earnings on a real-time basis and receive their full rightful reward for their creative works.
According to the digital strategist, if 80% of MCSK functions are digitized, artists will be able to receive their due compensation promptly and in full.
Nonetheless, while acknowledging the potential of digital platforms Mutua reiterated concerns about government interference in private entities and the potential for cartel influence.
“We are not against eCitizen; we are already using it in our operations. We are against cartels and people using their position in government to interfere with a private right,” Mutua said.
However, this is not the first time the MCSK royalty collection and distribution has come into the limelight.
CS Moses Kuria, recently revealed the government’s intention to propose amendments to the Copyright Act with the aim of establishing a government-operated Collective Management Organisation. However, Gender, Culture and Arts CS Aish Jumwa also countered CS Kuria’s remarks noting that the mandate of making decisions revolving around CMOs and royalties falls under her ministry.
