Veteran Genge musician Nonini terminates MCSK membership

Genge musician Hubert Nakitare, popularly known as Nonini, has now terminated his membership at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

Nonini, according to a letter posted on his social media platforms, initiated the process to exit from the Collective Management Organization (CMO) on February 17, 2022.

MCSK CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, in a subsequent letter to the musician dated May 24, 2022, informed him that his request had been granted.

“Please note that your membership at MCSK has been terminated effective May 18, 2022 as per Article 19 (e) of Articles of Association of MCSK. We wish you all the best in your endeavors,” wrote Dr. Mutua.

Nonini’s decision follows longstanding battles between Kenyan musicians and MCSK, as well as other CMOs, over recurring royalty distribution.

MCSK recently came under heavy scrutiny after siding with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya political formation in a copyright dispute with multiple award-winning boy band Sauti Sol.

Sauti Sol had hit out at Azimio for using their ‘Extravaganza’ hit song in a video graphic unveiling the coalition party’s presidential running mate, Martha Karua.

The band said the Raila Odinga-led political outfit’s actions amounted to copyright infringement, adding that it had not agreed to any association with Azimio's campaigns.

However, Dr. Mutua emerged from the woodwork saying Azimio had obtained all necessary licences to play both local and international music in their campaign shows and material.

This despite the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) stating that Azimio only acquired a public performance license but failed to obtain synchronization permits that could have allowed them to play the songs in audio-visual productions.

Nonini, amidst the furore, backed Sauti Sol saying the conversation exposed how “incompetent MCSK the entity supposed to collect monies on behalf of musicians is.”