MCSK boss Ezekiel Mutua announces new committee to address music tariff concerns

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua. (X)

By Mercy Asamba | Thursday, May 30, 2024

The newly formed Committee will focus on negotiating an agreeable tariff implementation plan, aiming to create a win-win situation for the business owners and the music creators.

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Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has announced the formation of a new Committee aimed at addressing concerns raised by bar owners over the recently gazetted music tariffs.

The announcement follows a meeting convened by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to discuss the administration of copyright and the impact of these tariffs on small and medium-sized liquor traders.

In a tweet on Thursday, Mutua shared his satisfaction with the productive discussions held with the leadership of the Metropolitan (Small and Medium) Liquor Traders Association. The meeting was attended by National Chairman Frank Mbogo, Secretary General Alex Matindi, and Advocate/Secretary Simon Mungai, along with KECOBO and MCSK representatives.

"During a meeting convened by the Kenya Copyright Board to discuss the administration of copyright, bar owners raised a complaint about the new tariffs gazetted by the Government for playing music at their premises. They requested a meeting to discuss an agreeable implementation plan," Mutua said.

Mutua stressed the commitment of MCSK and KECOBO to engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance with copyright laws without adversely affecting businesses.

"I was therefore pleased to meet the top leadership of the Metropolitan (Small and Medium) Liquor Traders Association to chart the way forward. We are committed to engagements with our stakeholders to enhance compliance with the copyright law without crippling businesses," he added.

During a recent meeting convened by the Kenya Copyright Board to discuss administration of copyright, bar owners raised a complaint about the new tariffs gazetted by the Government for playing music in their premises. They requested for a meeting to discuss an agreeable… pic.twitter.com/uOK6X6y7E0
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) May 30, 2024

The establishment of the Committee is seen as a proactive step towards finding a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of bar owners while ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work.

"I am therefore pleased to announce that a Committee has been established to discuss with the businesses that play music for commercial purposes to reach a mutual understanding for the benefit of artists," Mutua said.

The newly formed Committee will focus on negotiating an agreeable tariff implementation plan, aiming to create a win-win situation for the business owners and the music creators.