By Reuben Kigame
Maybe I am the problem; Maybe it is just that living and working honestly does not pay.
Maybe I am just gullible, or very easy to take advantage of, but I will say it straight: Doing music in Kenya is useless when it comes to the question of returns for those who wish to do it clean.
Let me ask for the sake of social engagement. I consider myself to be a prolific music producer and songwriter in Kenya as I work on my 30th Album in a society where people imagine that politics can stop my music ministry and production.
Today the Performers Rights Society of Kenya or PRISK sent me my royalties for my hard work amounting to KSHS1295. For it, I am grateful.
Not sure if this is for one year, two, three or more years, because you simply get a Mpesa message.
Here is the compound question: If this is what I am paid for being so prolific, what happens to the new musicians working so hard to penetrate the industry? Besides, why should PRISK exist if the bulk of monies paid to musicians will end up doing administrative work and not benefiting the creators of the content? Why not just dissolve it?
I know the Churches love and use my music and the people of Kenya have appreciated what I do through songwriting, and for that, I remain truly grateful.
Never made half a million through royalties
But what is the point of producing songs that are dearly loved by a nation to the point of the President, Army and Police Bands, political parties, media etc using such songs only for you to end up with 1295 as royalty for your music being regularly performed?
I know people imagine that I am joking when I say I have never made half a million through royalties of my music as paid by MCSK and PRISK in my life with a discography of nearly 30 albums.
I’m challenging the CMOS to get serious about paying Musicians and Content Creators or immediately close operations. I challenge the President to be serious about paying Musicians the same way he is serious about farmers and other projects, or at least ensure I am paid for the use of the “Huniachi” song and other songs that are utilized in political campaigns and National celebrations… and even if he decides I am not worth paying, let him improve things for other Musicians and I will be okay.
Let the CS and all concerned with Creatives stop discouraging upcoming Musicians who have learnt from us the futility of doing Music in Kenya.
Ni hayo tu kwa sasa.
Reuben Kigame is a veteran gospel musician as well as the founder and leader of the Jenga Mkenya Movement.
