Sauti Sol: No More Empty Promises - Threatens to Withdraw from MCSK Over Poor Royalties

Kenyan Afro-pop group, Sauti Sol, has threatened to withdraw from the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) over poor royalties. The group, which comprises Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno, took to social media to express their frustration with the organization's failure to pay them adequate royalties for their music.

Sauti Sol's frustration with MCSK is not new, as the group has been vocal about their disappointment with the organization's operations for several years. In a tweet shared on the band's official Twitter account, the group announced that they were considering pulling out of MCSK, citing the organization's inability to properly distribute royalties to its members.

"Attention all artists, please note that MCSK is not the only body that can collect royalties on your behalf. We are currently considering withdrawing from MCSK, as we have seen no improvements in the organization's ability to distribute royalties fairly to all members," the tweet read.

The tweet sparked a wave of reactions from fans and other artists who expressed their support for the group's decision. Many argued that MCSK's failure to properly distribute royalties to its members has been a longstanding issue that needs to be addressed.

The move by Sauti Sol comes amid ongoing efforts to reform the music industry in Kenya, particularly with regard to copyright laws and the distribution of royalties. Over the past few years, there have been numerous calls for the government to intervene and regulate the industry to protect artists' interests.

In a recent interview, Sauti Sol's lead vocalist, Bien-Aimé Baraza, lamented the lack of support for artists in the country, saying that many of them were struggling to make ends meet despite their contributions to the industry.

"The music industry in Kenya is not very supportive of artists. Many artists are struggling to make ends meet, and this is largely due to the lack of support from the government and other industry players," he said.

Despite the challenges, Sauti Sol remains one of the most successful music groups in Kenya, having released several hit songs over the years, including "Suzanna," "Melanin," and "Short N Sweet." The group has also won numerous awards, both locally and internationally, and has collaborated with several high-profile artists.

In conclusion, Sauti Sol's decision to consider withdrawing from MCSK over poor royalties is a clear indication of the challenges facing artists in the music industry in Kenya. The lack of support from the government and other industry players has made it difficult for artists to earn a decent living from their craft, and there is an urgent need for reforms to address these issues. Nonetheless, Sauti Sol's success over the years is a testament to their talent, resilience, and determination to succeed, and their story will undoubtedly inspire many upcoming artists in Kenya and beyond.

Baca Juga