High Court Judge, Justice Fred Ochieng who compelled the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) to pay a group of gospel artists their royalties as released by safaricom.
BY SAM ALFAN.
The High Court has compelled the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) to pay a group of gospel artists their royalties as released by safaricom.
Justice Fred Ochieng issued the orders after 14 Musicians filed a case at the High Court claiming that MCSK has refused to release their dues.
Through lawyer Gikunda Miriti, the Musicians claimed that Safaricom has paid them their monies but MCSK is withholding holding it.
The musicians led by Peace Mulu the composer of “Ombea Adui yako and Lydia Joy Kairimu the composer of the song ‘Mungu najua haujanisahau’ say through MCSK, they were introduced to one company called Expedia, formerly Liberty Africa limited.
They claim that the Company was to give them the skiza codes to have their songs run as skiza tunes, a programme run by safaricom.
They would then be paid by safaricom through the company but since 2009, the musicians who according to data released by safaricom have been able to earn huge sums of money, said the money has not been released to them.
Appearing before Judge Ochieng, they were directed to go back to Judge Francis Toiyot because he is the one who issued first orders.
“The matter should be mentioned on Thursday, October 6, before judge Toiyot for further directions,” said Judge Ochieng’ on October 5.
The applicants through their lawyer David Gikunda Miriti said that even after an officer from the music copyright society Laz Muli came to court and promised to pay them, he has never done so.
Appearing before Judge Ochieng, the applicants said that the content service provider has maintained that they shall not pay the monies.
The musicians are expecting between one million to six million each.
Judge Ochieng also excused Laz Muli from attending the session but warned that action will be taken against him if he fails to honor his promise.
The judge also said the musicians must be paid their dues irrespective of who is paying as long as Safaricom has released the money.
