Kenyan singer Akothee has questioned the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) over artists’ royalties, music licence fees and member benefits, demanding transparency and accountability from the organisation.

Singer and entrepreneur Akothee has put the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) on the spot, demanding answers over how money collected from businesses on behalf of artists is managed and distributed.

Akothee, who identifies herself as an MCSK member number 8592, said she wants clarity on royalty payments and the benefits artists receive from the collective management organisation.

“As an artist, HR professional and MCSK Member No. 8592, I need answers,” Akothee said.

Her concerns came after her brother’s club in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, was pursued for an annual music licence fee of KES 8,500.

“Recently, my brother’s club in Mtwapa was being pursued for an annual KES 8,500 music licence fee,” she said.

The singer questioned the situation, saying she has personally not received royalties from MCSK for years.

“Yet I personally haven’t received royalties from MCSK for years,” Akothee stated.

Her remarks raise questions about the relationship between music licensing, royalty collection and payments to artists whose works are played in businesses and entertainment venues across Kenya.

“If money is being collected across Kenya on behalf of artists, where is it going and how is it being distributed?” she asked.

Akothee said artists deserve greater transparency on the amount of money collected, how it is accounted for and the criteria used to distribute royalties to members.

Akothee Goes After MCSK, Makes Explosive Revelation: “Where Is the Artists’ Money?”

Akothee Questions MCSK Benefits to Artists

Beyond royalties, Akothee also questioned the wider benefits that artists receive from MCSK as registered members.

“What tangible benefits does MCSK provide its members, medical cover, welfare programmes, financial security?” she asked.

Her questions touch on broader concerns within Kenya’s creative industry over whether artists receive sufficient value from organisations established to represent their copyright and royalty interests.

Akothee said she intends to seek answers directly from MCSK rather than relying on public statements or publicity.

“I will be visiting the MCSK offices next week to seek clarity as a member,” she said.

The singer stressed that her planned visit was aimed at getting answers about the issues she has raised.

“Enough of PR,” Akothee Tells MCSK

Akothee concluded her statement with a direct call for accountability, saying artists need more than public relations messaging.

“Enough of PR. We need transparency, accountability and answers,” she declared.

Her comments could fuel fresh debate among Kenyan musicians and other creatives over MCSK royalties, music licence fees, royalty distribution and the benefits available to members.

The controversy comes as artists continue to seek stronger systems for ensuring that money generated from the use of their creative works reaches them in a transparent and accountable manner.

For Akothee, the immediate issue is straightforward: if businesses are being asked to pay music licensing fees, artists should be able to understand how the money is collected, accounted for and ultimately distributed.

“As an artist, HR professional and MCSK Member No. 8592, I need answers,” she reiterated.

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Akothee Goes After MCSK, Makes Explosive Revelation: “Where Is the Artists’ Money?”