Flying the flag for the protection of composer’s rights in Africa, SAMRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) last week in a partnership that will enhance the growth of copyright development on the continent.
In a ceremony that was attended by dignitaries from MCSK, the Kenyan Copyright Office, senior officials of the departments of Culture and Information as well as over 150 leading musicians and artists in Nairobi, the Chief Executive of SAMRO, Nicholas Motsatse, and the chairman of the MCSK, Habel Kifoto, signed and exchanged contracts. According to Maurice Okoth, General Manager of MCSK,:’ The entire Management team and Board of Directors are extremely excited about the agreement reached between MCSK and SAMRO. We recognise that to be able to excel in the industry, the professional guidance and assistance received from an established organization like SAMRO, would help MCSK develop along the same professional lines.’
Commenting on the significance of this agreement to Kenyan composers, Kifoto said, “This is an important step in a series of steps that MCSK’s Board of Directors took in restoring the organisation after it experienced challenges in its leadership and management.’ He elaborated: “Over the last eighteen months we have been hard at work with the help of a number of international organisations to revive effective administration of authors’ rights in Kenya.’
South African music is popular in Kenya but little in the way of royalties has historically made its way back to South African music composers and music publishers. “This situation will soon be a matter of the past as SAMRO will work closely with MCSK to build the capacity and competencies required,’ said Motsatse. He further said: “We have agreed on specific focus areas and we believe that we should see results in the medium term. What is even more encouraging is the level of professionalism and commitment from MCSK’s management and board of directors. This has been evident to us over the last four months since we started discussions with MCSK’
Under the memorandum, SAMRO will provide assistance that will enable MCSK to fully protect and enforce the rights under its administration in Kenya. The memorandum came into force on 1 August 2008 although it was only signed on August 8. Under the terms of the agreement, SAMRO will provide a suite of services to MCSK including:
* Hardware and software installations and support
* Competency training and exposure
* Coaching for middle and senior management
* Assistance with licensing negotiations
