Mixed Reactions Over Uhurus Treats For Kenyan Artists

Hillary Murani

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage Ksh 100 million to be given to help local artists deal with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to the press in early April, President Kenyatta also directed that artistes would receive royalties worth Ksh. 200 million every month.

His announcement came as Disc Jockeys (DJs) and artists who depend on club gigs and events, struggled to come up with creative ways to put food on their table.

Whereas some people viewed it as a missed priority, claiming that the people on the frontline were the ones who deserved to be awarded, others hailed Mr. Kenyatta for such a bold initiative.

Musicians, Master of Ceremony(MCs), DJs, comedians, and different hosts have been hit badly by the directive to stay at home by the government. This, a cross-section of Kenyans argues, makes them eligible for the presidential kitty.

“For a long time, artists have complained about their royalties which were affected by the copyright/intellectual property and piracy issues. The issue of timing should not bother us but rather celebrate that a government pledge has been fulfilled. quarantine has forced people to work from home and they keep themselves entertained on their TV and their phones. The artistes entertaining them have put capital in their production,’ Mr. Job Mugiira, an economic researcher, said.

Doctor Isaac Wahome, who works at a government health facility, had his different view.

” We need a consolidated effort in fighting this pandemic within all sectors. The musicians play a big role in public awareness and this is a welcome move. They hold the power to influence the decisions the public makes especially in following up on regulations spelled out by the government. They can also be key in directing messages of unity and can be used in fighting vices such as stigmatization of people in quarantine. That is what Kenyans need now, “Dr. Wahome said. He further added that more money should be injected into the health sector.

” We need each other; health workers are a worried lot when and if this pandemic runs out of hands. The feeling that every little cash should be channeled to the health ministry is selfish since it’s a public health concern. I support the diversity of sharing resources,” he quipped.

Corporate MC and an Open Mic Show host Stanley Nyachae, popularly known as MC Stano, feels the brunt of this pandemic as most of the pubs have been shut down.

” The closure of pubs immediately translated to the loss of income for most entertainers since they are paid after a performance and not on a salary basis. As a country and globally we hope that we manage the pandemic in the shortest time possible to resume optimum operations within the entertainment industry that feeds several workers including DJs, MCs, Hosts, Security, Sound Crew, and Hospitality staff,” he added.

He is however worried about the disbursement of the presidential kitty, hoping it will be shared equally.

“I hope that the distribution will be fair and thorough. It is not enough to sustain the over 15,000 registered artistes in the country. This figure does not take care of the other cadre of performing artists such as DJs, MCs. More innovative solutions are required.”

Another artist Milton Ochembe alias Dj Mealton viewed this as a break to improve his skills.

” I’ve got time to do more research, broaden my music sets, practice and add value to my brand. I am sure my worth won’t be the same after the pandemic is over,” he added.

He welcomed the idea of the government kitty but is skeptical about who the beneficiaries will be.

” It will benefit big and well-known brands or those with a strategic artistic career. Unfortunately, most artists and entertainers are not registered.” He said.

He challenges fellow artists to embrace digital platforms through hosting live social media events and get the audience to pay using mobile money platforms as one of the survival techniques during the crisis.

Radio co-host presenter and standup comedian Josphat Muchesia alias Mchungaji was sent home on unpaid leave. He relies on live audience shows, an impossible phenomenon under the current situation.

” I am currently jobless. I rely on crowds to make money. That’s how I get paid,”

Governance consultant and a political analyst Anita Nkirote, raised fundamental concerns on who is an artist and the framework to pay the said people.

” What is the framework of distribution, what percentage goes to actors or musicians? In any case who constitutes as an artist; Musicians may be organized via the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) but what’s the legal framework to distribute the funds? How about the performing artists at national theatres and mainstream media?” she quipped

Kevin Ndolo, an Intellectual Property consultant, attached to N.I.P, a legal consulting firm, says discussions are already underway to see how the disbursement would take place.

The firm consults for Kenya Musician and Performers Association, a registered society of musicians.

Ndolo raised concern over the lack of a structured way of distributing such funds but added that the relevant authorities were meeting to look into the issue.

“The Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC) has been tasked to come up with the database for all musicians. However, chances of being recognized especially those from far and flung regions are slim,’’ he said.

Ndolo added that the ministry of sports and culture is also working in collaboration with Kenya Copyright Board-KECOBO to ensure the fair distribution of the said funds.

He pointed out that musicians are classified as those who are already registered through MCSK while other artists, including dancers and actors are classified as Performing artist.

“The Ministry of Culture has their database which will be used to consolidate the distribution of funds,” he added