Clemo Explains His Fallout With Nonini

14 January 2024

[Clemo/Nairobi News]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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In the intricate landscape of Kenya's music industry, conflicts and legal battles are not uncommon, especially when it comes to matters of copyright infringement. A recent spotlight fell on legendary music producer Clement Rapudo Sijenyi, better known as Clemo, who found himself entangled in a dispute with US-based Kenyan artist Nonini.

The fallout, which culminated in a Sh1 million court award to Nonini, has opened a window into the complexities and challenges faced by music producers in asserting their rights.

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In a revealing interview with bloggers, Clemo, currently serving as the director for arts, culture, and tourism in Nairobi County, shed light on the nuances of the disagreement with Nonini. Contrary to rumors suggesting animosity, Clemo clarified that his involvement in the case was rooted in a broader mission—to advocate for the rights of music producers and foster a deeper understanding of the various stakeholders in the music creation process.

"Hiyo ni uongo kabisa, mimi niko na experience yangu ya music. Mimi najua music huanzia studio, so mimi nilisema kila mtu huita wasanii kwa forum, lakini mahali music huanza kumakiwa huskii," Clemo asserted, dispelling rumors of discord between him and Nonini. His focus, he explained, is on improving the conditions for all artists, including producers, within the industry.

The heart of Clemo's argument lies in the recognition that conflicts often arise when stakeholders do not fully reap the benefits of their contributions to a musical work. He underlined that his intention is not to claim the award granted to Nonini but rather to pave the way for the future rights of producers. In a resolute tone, Clemo expressed the need for producers to assert their rights courageously, as many currently hesitate to do so.

"Mimi nilisema sikuwa nataka iyo pesa, na ni kweli siitaki. Mimi nataka kuprotect producers wa kesho. So, afadhali mimi niongee hata kama am the single voice, lakini niseme ukweli," he emphasized, reiterating his commitment to being a voice for music producers in Kenya.

The court's decision to award Sh1 million to Nonini stemmed from a case against social media-influenced Mutinda, who used Nonini's song in a video advertisement without consent. The victory for Nonini spotlighted the importance of protecting artists' intellectual property rights.

However, Clemo, as the producer of the song, found himself in a challenging position. With no signed agreements regarding their collaborative music, asserting Intellectual Property (IP) rights proved to be an uphill battle. The absence of such agreements underscored a critical aspect of the music industry — the necessity for clear and comprehensive contractual arrangements.

As the Kenyan music industry continues to evolve, Clemo's advocacy takes center stage, urging not only for a resolution in his dispute with Nonini but also for a paradigm shift in how producers' rights are recognized and protected. The court's decision may have closed one chapter of this legal saga, but the broader conversation on artists' rights, fair compensation, and legal frameworks within the industry remains an ongoing melody.

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