‘Raila Owes You Nothing,’ Ezekiel Mutua Tells Sauti Sol

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Since Sauti Sol’s declaration on Monday, the argument over intellectual property law and when, how, and who can play music at gatherings has raged online.

Ezekiel Mutua, Director of the Kenya Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MSCK), has joined the controversy, calling KECOBO’s support for Sauti Sol as “completely deceptive and erroneous,” adding that the Azimio coalition was licensed to use any song, including that of Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol, in campaigns.

Mutua’s recent statement slammed the Kenya Copyright Board’s (KECOBO) announcement from Tuesday, in which it effectively agreed with Sauti Sol, claiming that Azimio required a synchronized license rather than the audio license for which the former Prime Minister, Mr Odinga, paid over KSh500,000 last week.

“We licensed Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign using the government’s existing pricing. Our members, including Sauti Sol, have delegated their copyright rights to MCSK to manage on their behalf,” Mutua said.

The two bodies are at odds over what constitutes synchronisation rights and whether or not a separate license is necessary.

“The coalition only obtained a Public Performance License that allows them to only play local and international music at their rallies and events,” said KECOBO Executive Director Edward Sigei. “The use of sound recordings with a soundtrack with visual images in a film, video, television show, commercial, or other audio-visual production is not part of the license.”

Mutua countered Sigei’s argument by stating that the license includes performing, mechanical, and synchronization rights.

“…MCSK would like to clarify that the license granted encompasses performing, mechanical, and synchronization rights. We applaud the Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign’s adherence to the copyright law and urge others to do the same.”

Mutua attached the relevant licensing papers, which is valid until May 6, 2023.

On Monday, Sauti Sol issued a statement threatening to sue the Azimio la Umoja campaign for using their song “Extravaganza” at Raila Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua’s unveiling.

The post ‘Raila Owes You Nothing,’ Ezekiel Mutua Tells Sauti Sol appeared first on LitKenya.

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