The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has strongly criticized leaders advocating for a boycott of musicians from the Mt Kenya region who recently met with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
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This comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged the community to shun and unfollow the artists unless they issue a public apology for attending the meeting.
MCSK Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua condemned the calls as a form of economic sabotage, declaring that the organization would not tolerate any actions that threaten the livelihoods of its members.
“We want to make it clear that MCSK will not allow any attempt to sabotage the economic well-being of our members,” Mutua stated.
He warned against dragging political divisions into the music industry, noting that such actions endanger artists’ primary source of income.
Mutua emphasized that entertainment venues found complying with the boycott directive would be barred from playing MCSK-licensed music.
“Public performances are crucial to artists’ earnings, and politicizing this platform threatens the core of their creative work,” he added.
He further appealed to venues and the public to reject the boycott campaign, calling it harmful and a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and association.
“We urge artists to stay united and not fall prey to political agendas. Their talents are a vital source of hope and unity during these polarizing times,” Mutua said.
Gachagua, speaking in Murang’a County on Sunday, labeled the musicians who met Kindiki as betrayers, accusing them of misleading the public about government performance.
He claimed that Mt Kenya elders demanded an apology from the artists and warned that failure to comply would result in social and economic isolation — including unfollows on social media and exclusion from entertainment venues.
Last Friday, DP Kindiki held a meeting with leading Mt Kenya artists at his Karen residence to discuss challenges facing the music industry, particularly around low income and exploitation.
“The government is committed to nurturing talent and protecting musicians from exploitation. Artists must receive fair compensation for their work,” Kindiki said.
