The Kenya Association of Music Producers, a collective management organisation licensed by the Kenya Copyright Board to represent the owners of sound recordings and music producers, has declared a distribution of royalties of KSh5.6 million collected from licensing performances in public places.
“In these extreme and challenging times, I would like to share our heartfelt support and solidarity with everyone infected and affected by Covid-19. As KAMP, our members are our top most priority. The entertainment industry is the most affected as the businesses that we license such as pubs, restaurants, events have closed down,” says KAMP chairman – Antony Karani.
“Our members rely on public performances, concerts, events and club appearances to earn a living have had to cancel their events due to this pandemic. We are committed to our members and that is why as a Board we decided to pay out royalties to give reprieve to our members who have been greatly affected by COVID-19.”
They have also agreed to have scientific royalty distribution and also pay on investment. Which means the amount of royalties received is based on pay-for play and on the number of songs a producer has in the KAMP database.
Some of the top earners on the list of 1,102 royalty recipients are Tamasha Corporation, Jojo Productions, Kassanga Music centre, Copy bird Limited, Torome Productions, Peace Mulu and Daniel Karanja.
With the entertainment industry facing uncertain times as the coronavirus mitigation measures bite, KAMP is urging the National Emergency Response Committee to have kitty for musicians that can cushion “our people who are languishing at home”.
“We are uncertain how long this period is going to last and the royalties we have distributed a drop in the ocean. The funds can be channelled through CMOs which can be distributed to registered members in association with the Kenya Copyright Board.
“As KAMP we are following the national government directives and we will be working with our members and users though our digital platforms. The Board wishes to our members to please take the necessary precautions to ensure that their health and safety and that of their loved ones are observed.”
