The Kenya Association of Music producers (KAMP), a collective management organisation licensed by the Kenya Copyright Board to represent the owners of sound recordings and music producers , is declaring a distribution of royalties of Kenya Shillings 5.6 Million Collected from licensing Performances in Public Places. In a statement, KAMP chairman Anthony Karani said this is in line with their Distribution Rules
“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. Our members rely on public performances, concerts, events and other 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”, Karani added.
The Board 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 our database.
Some of the top earners are Tamasha Corporation Ltd, Jojo Productions, Kassanga Music centre, Copy bird Limited, Torome Productions, Peace Mulu, Daniel Karanja. A total of 1102 members have received royalties.
And as the Entertainment industry faces uncertain times, KAMP has also requested the National Emergency Response Committee to have a kitty for Musicians that can cushion those 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”, Karani said in the statement.
KAMP further says they are are following the national government directives and we will be working with its members and users though the digital platforms.