The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) released royalties to local musicians in the first quarter of 2024.
This followed the announcement by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua that the community will pay KSh 20 million by January 2024.
How Mutua arranges payment for MCSK members
Speaking during the release of the first quarter payment on January 25 this year at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Mutua said the second quarter payment is scheduled to take place this April 2024.
Royalty payments for the second quarter come in April, the third quarter in August, and so on,” Mutua Mutua said MCSK received a new music tax and will strive to ensure transparency and transparency in the payment of artists.
Where does MCSK collect money for artists?
The CEO estimated the total collection of royalties in 2024 to be more than KSh 2 billion to be distributed to artists.
He disclosed that the media owes MCSK more than KSh 1.4 billion, while KCB is owed KSh 300 million, along with other sectors.
Mutua mentioned the ongoing legal dispute over artists’ remuneration, adding that once the matter is resolved, all MCSK members will receive better remuneration.
“I ask you to have faith and support MCSK… Our story is different, but I know it will change for the better. We are moving to a place where our members will be driving the best cars in the city, living the best life.”
MCSK urged members to update their records, including their KRA PINs, phone numbers and account numbers, to receive their payments. The community extended the distribution period until March 29, 2024. Below is a ranked list of artists who received the best royalties in the first quarter of MCSK 2024.
List of the highest paid artists MCSK Artist Salary (KSh)
Artist Payment (KSh)
1. Joseph Ngala 101,032.29
2. Solomon Mkubwa 74,138.56
3. De Mathew 70,094.00
4. Marakwet Daughter (Mali Safi Chito) 108,123.41
5. Reuben Kigame 122,410.71
6. Stephen Kasolo 106,862.77
7. Praise Makena over 110,000
8. Joseph Shisia Wasira 101,137
9. Jackson Wambua Mutinda 91,524.94
Mutua noted that all artists will get better payment, as opposed to business artists who receive KSh 600 or 1,000. Those who did not want to disclose their remuneration but received more than KSh 100,000 include Nyashinski, Samidoh, Jua Cali, Florence Mureithi, Otile Brown, and Octopizzo.
Gospel artists Deno, Mary Wanjiru (Shiro Wa GP), Ruth Wamuyu, Anastacia Mukabwa, and Sharry Martin among others.
The musician who earned the most money for international music played in Kenya, including Diamond Platinumz, received KSh 757,092.23.
In May 2023, MCSK received an operating license to collect artists’ revenue, marking a major win for the Kenyan music industry. Mdundo, a music platform that recognizes local artists, also announced the payment of more than KSh 163.3 million in royalties to artists across Africa in 2024.