The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), through its CEO, Dr Ezekiel Mutua, has publicly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his recent statement of boycotting the Mt Kenya Artists who went to Karen to visit Deputy President Kithure Kindiki last week on Friday.
Gachagua urged the Mt Kenya region to boycott the artists who “betrayed the community”, alleging that they were paid to support the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“Those who went to Ruto to ask for forgiveness, if not, I’ll order no one to listen to their music and no clubs will invite them to perform,” he said.
He went ahead and urged fans to unfollow these musicians on social media and to stop attending their events.
In response, Dr Mutua termed Gachagua’s statements dangerous and warned that any establishment complying with the statement would face licence revocation.
“Let it be clear that MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members,” said Dr. Mutua. “Any entertainment venue that complies with calls to discriminate against our artists will not be authorised to play music licensed by MCSK.”
He also added that public performance is a very crucial source of income to musicians, and that political interference in the industry threatens their livelihoods.
“We urge all entertainment establishments to reject this unfortunate and potentially harmful boycott call, which undermines fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression,” he concluded.
Deputy President also defended the artists and criticised Gachagua’s statement as divisive and a threat to national unity.
Kindiki said that he plans to host more artists in musicians, and creatives in the coming days.
