Kenya’s afro-pop band Sauti Sol has been rated as one of the highest earners of 2019 by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) based on airplay data collected from radio and television stations during the period July 1 – December 31, 2019.
MCSK on Thursday announced the distribution of Ksh.37,500,000 in royalties collected during the period.
60% of the royalties would be distributed to the “best and most representative list of works that have been performed” while 40% would be distributed generally to all members.
Sauti Sol is the top earner and will be taking approximately Ksh.400,000. Others are Nyashinski, Christina Shusho, Mercy Masika, Eunice Njeri and Nameless.
“Sauti Sol is our highest paid because many people want to listen to their music. We want people to challenge them,” Milcah Kulati the MSCK chief executive said.
On the other hand, the artists will pay withholding tax on the total amount of royalties received following the use of the new transparent electronic systems to calculate the royalties payout.
KShs. 1,875,000 shall be set aside to pay 5% withholding TAX (Statutory deductions); KShs. 715,000 shall be set aside to cater for bank and Mpesa charges; KShs. 3,000,000 shall be disbursed to International Right Holders through Performers Rights Society (PRS) for Music.
Here is the list of artists
- Sauti Sol
- Nyashinski
- Chritina Shusho
- Mercy Masika
- Eunice Njeri
- Bahati
- Gloria O. Muliro
- King Kaka
- Les Wanyika
- Otile Brown
- Octopizzo
- Daddy Owen
- Willy Paul
- Ringtone
- Nameless
- Khaligraph Jones
- Susumila
- Jua cali
- Collo
- Sarah Kay
