ARTISTES SET TO DEMONSTRATE IN NAIROBI OVER ROYALTIES

Artistes across Kenya are gearing up for demonstrations in Nairobi on March 5, 2024, to voice their concerns and present a petition to various government bodies.

Organized under the banners of #Artistsdemo and #Pesakwamsanii, the demonstration aims to shed light on the challenges facing the artistic community and demand crucial support from key governmental institutions.

The demonstration comes amidst growing financial hardships experienced by many artists across Kenya. The artistic community, often overlooked and underrepresented, faces significant struggles in securing sustainable livelihoods and protecting their rights.

One of the central issues to be addressed in the petition is the urgent need for enhanced copyright protection. Recent disputes between artists and Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) have highlighted allegations of misappropriation of royalties intended for artists. Notably, the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has faced criticism from artists for its perceived lack of transparency and accountability.

The demonstration aims to draw attention to these pressing concerns and call for meaningful action from the Kenyan government. Artists are seeking support from Parliament, the Senate, the Chief Justice, and Aisha Jumwa, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for arts, to address these issues effectively.