In a bid to enhance efficiency and bolster the music industry, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has pledged to merge the three bodies responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of artists.
Joshua Kutuny, Chairman of KECOBO, highlighted the need for a singular Collective Management Organization (CMO) to streamline operations and ensure optimal benefits for artists.
Kutuny emphasized that the existing operational costs of the three CMOs – Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), and Performers Right Society of Kenya (PRISCK) – are excessively high, significantly impacting artists' earnings.
He revealed a stark decline in royalty collections from Sh650 million in 2019 to approximately Sh150 million last year.
The primary objective, according to Kutuny, is to establish effective management practices within the music industry.
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This, he believes, will facilitate the direct collection of royalties from all music consumers, with the funds channelled directly to artists.
The revenue generated will then be distributed among musicians based on their individual performances.
Furthermore, Kutuny articulated KECOBO's commitment to ensuring that artists receive payments directly from companies, eliminating intermediaries to prevent exploitation.
He lamented the current scenario where despite widespread music consumption, some artists languish in poverty.
Addressing historical concerns about CMOs resorting to force during royalty collection, Kutuny assured a change in tactics.
He emphasized a commitment to a more effective and non-coercive approach, aiming to guarantee timely and fair payments.
During a press briefing, Kutuny explained that increased income for artists would empower them to invest in quality equipment and attire, ultimately contributing to the production of high-quality music.
This, he believes, will result in better returns for artists and an overall flourishing music industry.
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