Sauti Sol lead singer Bien-Aime Baraza has revealed that he declined an invitation by the Music Copyright Society Of Kenya (MCSK) to collect his royalties.
Speaking during an interview on Iko Nini podcast, Bien explained that he decline MCSK’s invitation due to its tendency to distribute little money to artistes.
“MCSK called me to collect my check, but I told them that I know the amount of money they distribute to artistes, so I don’t have time to come and collect Ksh1,500,” Bien revealed.
Bien added that MCSK persuaded him several times to take his royalties, but he declined the invitation because they denied him the amount of money they ought to have paid him.
“I asked MCSK how much money they wanted to pay me to see if it was worth my time, but they refused to disclose,” Bien said.
He claimed that MCSK wanted to use him for publicity to prove that artistes were paid their dues, while the money mentioned was a small amount.
“Mnataka nicome mnigeuze token mseme wasanii walilipwa, na in essence, mnajua hio collection ni chump change,” Bien lamented.
Bien mentioned that the solution to giving less money to artistes is effective leadership and added that society should be led by people who understand the issues of governance and music.
“MSCK should be run by technologists. People who know the music industry and administration. That’s the only way it can work,” noted Bien.
Furthermore, Bien commended Hubert Nakitare, popularly known as Nonini for being vocal about Collective Management Organizations (CMOS) including MCSK for wasting artists’ money.
Related: Sauti Sol incites other musicians to quit MCSK as pay row escalates
