Renowned Kenyan Comedian MC Jessy, has called out the Music Copyright Society of Kenya for demanding a Ksh 200,000 payment ahead of his upcoming comedy show.
In an interview with SPM Buzz, MC Jessy expressed his frustration, revealing that MCSK had issued stern warnings, including threats of legal action, if the payment was not made.
“I received a very threatening call, and I even have a recording. They said if we don’t pay Ksh200,000 to MCSK, we won’t be allowed to hold the show. They even claimed I’d be arrested if we went ahead with it. It was a disrespectful call; I felt belittled as an artist,” he said.
The comedian went on to question the basis for MCSK’s demand, especially since his performance does not rely on music.
“My question is, how did they come up with that figure? They assumed I’ll play Kenyan music. I told them, ‘Who told you I’m going to play music?’”
According to MC Jessy, while he plans to incorporate Kenyan music into his comedy routine, he would prefer to compensate the individual artists directly rather than paying MCSK.
“I’ll contact the artists and ask how much I should pay them directly. I know they’d earn more that way than by going through MCSK. So, I will not pay MCSK. Let them come and arrest me.”
Jessy further noted that the demand has created unnecessary pressure as he works to ensure the event’s success, noting the financial strain he has already endured in organizing and promoting the show.
