From Feud To Friendship: Mutua & Ssaru Patch Up Differences

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) boss Ezekiel Mutua and gengetone artist Sylvia Ssaru, once locked in a war of words over lyrics, buried the hatchet with a warm embrace at a recent event. The reconciliation surprised many, but it also highlighted the complex relationship between artistic expression and societal concerns.

The event saw MCSK distribute Ksh20 million in royalties to 16,000 musicians. Amidst the celebrations, the hug between Mutua and Ssaru, followed by Mutua’s generous praise for the “Kaskie Vibaya” hitmaker, stole the show. He lauded Ssaru as “amazing, talented, and gifted,” even calling her a “good friend,” despite having met her for the first time.

Mutua clarified his past criticism, emphasizing it wasn’t aimed at Ssaru personally, but at the potential limitations of certain music genres in reaching wider audiences. He stressed the importance of music that caters to families and broader demographics, stating, “If you sing a song you can’t play with your mother, you’re cutting yourself off from the market, it’s that simple.”

However, he emphasized this criticism shouldn’t be misconstrued as disrespect for Ssaru’s talent.

“Ssaru is an amazing, talented and gifted musician,” he asserted, adding that she’s a top earner for MCSK, receiving over Ksh100,000 in royalties.

Their feud stemmed from Ssaru’s hit song “Kaskie Vibaya,” which Mutua called vulgar and unsuitable for family consumption in June 2023. He criticized musicians for prioritizing likes and follows over creating morally responsible music, using Ssaru as an example.

Ssaru’s response to Mutua’s initial criticism was succinct and defiant:

“Kaskie vibaya na huko,” (loosely translated as “Mind your own business”).

Their seemingly unexpected reconciliation at the MCSK event signals a possible shift in their relationship. Whether it indicates a deeper understanding between Mutua and Ssaru, or merely a diplomatic gesture for the occasion, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it highlights the ongoing debate about artistic expression and the responsibility that comes with it, and offers a hopeful glimpse of progress in finding common ground between artists and societal expectations.