KENYA: Why Mombasa Artists Want President Uhuru Kenyatta

President’s Uhuru Kenyatta’s long visit to the Coastal region has drawn a lot of heat politically but residents of the area don’t seem to mind especially the artistes who are now pleading with the President to not ignore them during his tour.

The President has been touring the coast for almost a month now and has visited several undergoing development projects in the area and handed title deeds to squatters in the area.

Now Mombasa based artists led by songstress Nyota Ndogo are asking the President to also extend his generosity to them.

Nyota is quoted calling the President a “good leader who knows the challenges and difficulties the youth and artistes go through”.

Nyota asks that the National Assembly addresses the challenges that artists in Kenya face in the industry that is yet to develop.

“Our fellow artistes in Tanzania have realised true success in music because of their good relations with the state, and have someone who represents them in parliament. It would be wonderful if the President lends us an ear while he is with us in Mombasa,” she said.

Other musicians the likes of John Skani, Chikuzee and Ali B have also joined her cause to meet with the President and have also voiced their pleas.

“We have a lot to tell President Uhuru. We will be very happy if he agrees to meet us in Mombasa. He can help us solve some of the challenges facing artistes at the coast and Kenya in general,” Skani said.

These calls come after music group Elani’s claims that the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) is not being transparent with how they pay artists following their reception of only Sh.31,000 for their hugely successful year in 2014.

The MCSK has since threatened to launch criminal investigations against Elani if waht they claim is found to be lies.

FULL STORY:Why MCSK Could Launch Criminal Investigations Against Elani Following their Royalties Claims