CMOs Decry Omission from Agencies Distributing Sh100 Million to Artistes
13 May 2020
By Omondi Otieno
The three top Collective Management Organisations (CMOS) in the country namely; Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) and the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), have decried omission from agencies authorized by the Ministry of Sports and Culture to distribute the Sh 100 meant to cushion artistes during this corona period.
In an address early this week, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amb Amina Mohammed noted that the Sh100 million stimulus package for artistes will run for a period of three months (May-July 2020), and will be spearheaded by various state agencies and sports organizations.
She divulged that no cash handouts will be given to artistes, adding that for any artiste to benefit from the money, he/she needs to produce content that educates, entertains and informs Kenyans and the entire world on the safety, and health guidelines required to stop COVID-19.
“Taking into account that the number of artistes in the country is estimated to be way above 100,000, giving cash handouts would have been ineffective in cushioning households as well as broadening the societal Covid-19 safety education,” she said.
During the entire address, she did mention whether CMOs will have any role in distributing the cash to artistes who produce informative content on COVID-19.
Reacting to her address, the CMOs noted that they have a membership of over 20,000 artistes, and are therefore the best entities to spearhead the project.
The three bodies now want the CS to consider having them in the team handling the project.
“As CMO's representing 20,000 artists collectively we are best placed to support successful implementation of the presidents well intended support for the artist during these tough times.
“We hereby submit our humble request to the CS @AMB_A_Mohammed for consideration to be part of the implementation of the 100M "Work For Pay" Stimulus Package launched yesterday,” MCSK tweeted.
Here is the full statement from the CMOs:
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