Frasha and Mongolo Elected to the MCSK Board
Kenyan musicans have been quite vocal this past week as the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) first held an open forum at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre on Monday 18th June 2012 followed by a groundbreaking new set of elections that would see the artistes themselves have a say in how they want the countrywide body run.
Elections were held on the 20th of June 2012 primarily at the Blue Springs Hotel in Kenya, ushering in a sweeping wind of change and reform at its very helm. For the very first time, Kenyan musicians would be allowed to feature on the management board of the MCSK.
It was interesting to see how the artistes took a common stand, irregardless of background or genre, to fight for their rights in overseeing issues that affect them primarily through the Music Copyright Board. All this despite a few hitches at the start which included a declaration that there would be no elections on the said day and the fact that the MCSK CEO Maurice Okoth was notably absent.
One of MCSK’s directors, Mr. Gacheru came out in a show of faith however, stating that the musicians interests would be held at heart and he was happy to see a younger crop of artistes taking over the industry and he was willing to support the development in his capacity.
A number of leading Kenyan artistes such as Nonini, Octopizzo, Habida, Ukoo Fulani, Wyre and Mimmo led arguably one of the largest gatherings of musicians in recent history, as each wanted to witness this historical occasion that would see them take matters into their own hands, or at least have representation to do so.
Ultimately Francis Hamisi (otherwise known as Frasha) of the popular group P-Unit was elected to the Budget Committee of the MCSK, having garnered a total vote count of 216, alongside Jane Nyambura who got 296 votes.
George Mwangangi (a.k.a Mongolo) was also voted into the Advisory Committee Foundation with a total of 230 votes along with Jane Mwalimu who gathered 301 votes. At the Monday forum, Nonini and Didge had stepped down from nomination to the election in favour of Frasha and Mongolo in a show of faith and solidarity.
Mongolo (PHOTO: NancieMwai)
The MCSK declares itself as a Non-Profit making collecting and management organisation for the authors, composers, arrangers and publishers of musical works throughout the republic. According to its constitution, the main mandate of MCSK is to collect Royalties on behalf of its registered members and other affiliate collecting management organisations and distribute the same to them.
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya aims at building, mobilising and supporting the musical fraternity within Kenya through the intergration and enhancement of the earnings for their work.
