Music rights holders such as musicians, song writers, publishers, producers, record labels, lyricists, composers, and performers rely on collective management to earn income whenever their music is performed in public. In Kenya this system has persistently failed resulting in a continuous blame game approach between music owners, users & the copyright regulator Kenya Copyright Board. In August 2021 KeCoBo deregistered MCSK, KAMP & PRISK. This is not the first time. It has become the norm every year.

WHY KENYAS CREATIVE ECONOMY NEEDS A NEW COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION LAW Read More »

AI Challenges For Africa’s Creative Future: Urgent Policy Needs AI Series by The Music Advocate Africa: Protecting Africa’s Creative Future: Lessons from the EU AI Act, Indian Case Law and the Path Ahead Africa’s creative industries are a vibrant force, driving cultural identity, economic growth, and global influence. From Afrobeats, to Amapiano to Nollywood, African

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Navigating Music Revenue in Africa: Policies for Growth Harmonizing the Beat: Music Revenue Dynamics and Policy Pathways for Africa George Robert Asewe Founder & CEO The Music Advocate Africa The music industry’s financial pulse continues to quicken, with the RIAA’s 2024 report revealing a U.S. recorded music revenue of $17.7 billion—a 3% annual growth driven

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Empowering Africa: A Call For Unified Intellectual Property Under AfCFTA Introduction The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights proposes a transformative framework. It aims to harmonize intellectual property (IP) systems across Africa. This report highlights the urgent need for a unified IP management system. It draws inspiration from the European

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Report No. 1 February 2025 Safeguarding Artistic Freedom of Cartoonists and Commercializing Cartoon Characters in Africa Preface Safeguarding cartoonists’ artistic freedom of expression is crucial in Africa. It is essential for nurturing vibrant cultural dialogue and promoting democratic values. These artists play a vital role as commentators on societal issues. They show the complexities of

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Why The American Copyright Office is Conducting an Inquiry into American Collective Management Organisations By George Robert Asewe Founder & CEO The Music Advocate Africa The U.S. Copyright Office’s Inquiry into American PROs, also known as CMOs, addresses critical issues. These issues concern Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their licensing practices. The focus is on

U.S. Copyright Inquiry: Impact on Collective Management Organizations Read More »

The Rise of Korea’s Music Industry: Innovation & Protection George Robert Asewe Founder The Music Advocate Africa South Korea has become a vibrant hub of music, film and culture. But how did this transformation happen? The story of Korea’s music industry is one of innovation, dedication, and a deep respect for creativity. It also showcases

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How ISNI Helps Publishers To Commercialise and Protect Their Intellectual Property in Africa By George Robert Asewe Founder The Music Advocate Africa The Quest for Identity: A Tale for African Publishers In the bustling world of publishing, there lived a group of talented creators and publishers in Africa. They were known far and wide for

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Roblox: A Deep Dive into Its Investment in Music George Robert Asewe Founder The Music Advocate Africa Roblox, the online platform that allows users to create and share games, has rapidly evolved since its beginning in 2006. It offers a unique blend of gaming and social interaction. The platform also includes user-generated content. This combination

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AFTERMATH OF KENYAN GEN Z PROTESTS “Facing the music” is an idiomatic expression that means accepting the consequences of one’s actions, especially when they are difficult or unpleasant. It means taking responsibility for what has been done, confronting a challenging situation, or dealing with the repercussions of a decision or action. It can also imply

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Kenyan artists Reuben Kigame, Celestine Wambui Mbogo, and Stanley Ahoya are challenging the Kenyan Copyright Act in the High Court to gain benefits from the Blank Tape Levy. The dispute involves government entities and collective management organizations, with no resolution as of now. The Blank Tape Levy aims to compensate artists for potential revenue lost due to private copying of copyrighted material. This mechanism, widely implemented in Europe, has also been ratified in several African countries. Implementing the levy in Kenya could improve the income of artists and rights holders and contribute to the growth of the creative industry.

Blank Tape Levy Dispute: Impact on Kenyan Artists & Copyright Rights Read More »

Audiovisual rights are integral to African copyright law, safeguarding creators’ control and economic benefit from their works. It promotes freedom of expression, cultural preservation, and economic growth, creating millions of jobs. African governments must prioritize the industry, recognizing its impact and addressing legal and commercial challenges faced by artists in developing, promoting, and distributing their works.

What Are Audiovisual Rights In African Copyright Business Read More »

The Reject Finance Bill Protests in Kenya saw music artists and cartoonists play a significant role in amplifying dissent voices and shaping the movement’s narrative. The protests, triggered by the proposed Finance Bill, led to nationwide creative expression and calls for change. Artists like Eric Wainaina and Juliani’s music became symbols of resistance during the demonstrations that turned violent, resulting in losses and injuries. President Ruto condemned the protests as “treasonous,” igniting a crucial dialogue about democratic expression and civil liberties in Kenya. The fusion of music and art formed a potent force in conveying dissatisfaction and solidarity during the protests.

Reject Finance Bill Protests: Impact and Aftermath in Kenya Read More »

Kenya Kwanza Creative Economy Pledges. Understanding President Ruto’s Plan By George Robert Asewe Dj Probert Founder & CEO According to the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto, President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and his economic team identified 5 key sectors that the Kenya government will focus on between 2022 & 2027 as they roll out programs that will

Kenya Kwanza Creative Economy Pledges. Understanding President Ruto’s Plan Read More »

In this twelfth installment of 13 Reasons Why Kenyan Music Creators Need a New CMO Legal Framework we discuss yet another important subject in music. We delve into Complaints & Dispute Resolution for Collective Management Organisations. The Role of Dispute Resolution Policies is discussed and we Explain why CMOs should have a clear Dispute Resolution

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From Music Affairs to Fighting Crime Former Kamp CEO Dr. Njoroge Mbugua joins The Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority. On 2nd August 2022, @ACAKenya which is the government agency in Kenya mandated to fight the trade in illegal counterfeits retweeted our congratulatory message to @mbugua_njoroge Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge Ph.D., MPRSK on his appointment as Executive Director/

From Music Affairs to Fighting Crime Former Kamp CEO Dr. Njoroge Mbugua joins The Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority. Read More »

Experiencing German Technical Cooperation in the Kenya Gig Economy Project. 2021 was a difficult year for many Kenyans. Covid shattered businesses & jobs. The Gig economy was sent home packing. No performances. No gatherings. Most of us had not heavily invested in digital infrastructure the way we are doing in 2022. For me, it was

Experiencing German Technical Cooperation in the Kenya Gig Economy Project. Read More »

Kenya’s Failed 1982 Coup & The Banning of Theater Plays. The 1982 Kenyan coup d’état attempt was a failed attempt to overthrow president Daniel Arap Moi’s government. The President is the head of state and government. He is also the Commander-in-chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. RAF Eastleigh was a Royal Air Force airfield in Kenya, in the Eastleigh suburb of Nairobi. The name “RAF Eastleigh” was also used in 1935 for

Kenya’s Failed 1982 Coup & The Banning of Theater Plays. Read More »

The Kenya Cultural Center. Role of collective rights management IN theater Acknowledgements to @CultureCentreKE @CISACNews @IFPI_org @AngelaNdambuki @kampkenya @JaphethKassanga @luodollar @leumasabetum @ABBA @YvonneChakaX2 @OfficialAliKiba @KerMogallo @EUinKenya Some things are guaranteed in life but turning 70 isn’t one of them.  I think anyone who turns 70 years old has God’s favor and grace in their life.

The Kenya Cultural Center. Role of Collective Rights Management in Theater Read More »

Relationship Between Collective Management Organisations In this eighth part of our 13 part series, we discuss the relationship between Collective Management Organisations in Kenya. We discuss how CMOs cooperate across borders and why Kenya needs a CMO legal framework that will enable foreign CMOs to enter representation agreements with Kenyan CMOs. CMOs cooperate across borders

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Why we are looking for an egoless, thick-skinned, tenacious, music business professional to manage our Turntable DJ Network Interesting Insights About the Role A smart manager understands that commerce and art are strange bedfellows. Despite the difference in interface between the two, art is commerce and commerce is art. A manager is someone who will

Why we need a Professional Manager for our Turntable Dj Network Read More »

Panga Sanaa Policy Dialogue Lessons for CMOs, Government, Rights Owners & Rights Users. WHY THE MUSIC ADVOCATE AFRICA SUPPORTS POLICY DIALOGUE FOR KENYAN MUSIC, FILM, VISUAL ARTS, BOOKS, FASHION, DESIGN, GAMING, ANIMATION & TECHNOLOGY. Recognition is warranted for @BarazaLab, @TheMCSK @PPMC_Kenya, @PartnersAPKE, @SarakasiTrust, @goetheinstitut Kenya @priskkenya @KIPPRAKENYA @Animationkenya @agmakenya @ADMIafrica @FikaFilmmakers @EAJAK1 @ Creative Sector

Panga Sanaa Policy Dialogue Lessons for CMOs, Government, Rights Owners & Rights Users. Read More »

INFORMATION, ADHERENCE & WITHDRAWAL In this third article of 13 reasons why Kenyan Music Creators need a new CMO legal framework, we discuss the importance of legislation and regulations governing the membership of collective management organisations. For several years, Kenyan CMOs have fallen out with their members who feel the CMOs are non responsive and

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WHY KENYA NEEDS A DIGITAL CMO FOR MUSIC AUTHORS, PUBLISHERS, PRODUCERS & PERFORMERS #ReformMusicBusinessinKenya Are you someone who applies their creative talent to the creation of musical works, writing the music, and sometimes also the lyrics, usually in a popular music style (e.g., Kapuka, Genegtone, Gospel, Rap, Trap, Benga, Rhumba, Amapiano, rock, country, hip hop,

Why Kenya needs a digital cmo for MUSIC authors, publishers, producers Read More »

LET US SUPPORT SAUTI SOL’S COPYRIGHT & POLITICAL RIGHTS Dear Kenyans, Letter of Support for Sauti Sol’s  Copyright & Political Rights of Freedom of Association. On 16th May 2022, it came to the attention of Sauti Sol that Raila Amollo Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja presidential campaign on social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

LET US SUPPORT SAUTI SOL’S COPYRIGHT & POLITICAL RIGHTS Read More »

Mutuma Mathiu Nation Media Group Editorial Director’s Thoughts on Kenya’s Copyright Scene article published on Friday, May 13, 2022, vindicates our petition calling for major copyright reforms in the Kenya Music Industry. The Music Advocate Africa believes that Kenyans should be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. We believe courage is

Mutuma Mathiu Nation Media Group Editorial Director’s Thoughts on Kenya’s Copyright Scene article Published on Friday, May 13, 2022, vindicates our Petition calling for major Copyright Reforms in the Kenya Music Industry. Read More »

According to Partners Against Piracy (PAP), content piracy is practiced by terrorists and crime syndicates. PAP is a Kenyan Association comprising various creative industry stakeholders like Multichoice, Bernsoft, Phat Music Africa, My Movies Africa by Yakwetu, Art at Work, Boomplay, The Music Advocate Africa, Creative Society of Kenya, IPO Kenya, Mugenge2RU (Nonini) & other corporates who have teamed up to lead efforts to fight piracy in Kenya and Africa.

How Kenya is making the breakthrough in fighting piracy through strategic creative industry collaboration despite a difficult cyber operating environment Read More »

CMO-Member FINANCIAL Relationship proposals for kenya creative sector THIS POLICY PROPOSAL IS ABOUT PARTICULAR MONEY, GOVERNANCE & Financial management ISSUES CONCERNING THE CMO MEMBER RELATIONSHIP In this ninth installment of our 13 part series on Why Kenyan Music Creatives Need a New CMO Legal Framework we discuss the most important subject and that is the

CMO-Member FINANCIAL Relationship proposals for kenya creative sector Read More »

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Everything You Need To Know Now About Copyright in Music & Creative Business in Africa.

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