Nikita Kering Represents Kenyan Artistes at African Union HQ, Demands Better Pay

• Nikita Kering represented Kenyan artistes at a creatives meeting at the African Union (AU) headquarters
• The singer demanded better rights for artistes, especially in terms of payments and unfair treatment by local and international bodies
• The songstress impressed many with her fight for justice, as artistes continue to be paid peanuts by CMOs in Kenya

Award-winning Kenyan musician Nikita Kering has taken a bold stand for artistes in Kenya.

Kering represents Kenyan artistes at AU

The singer was one of the African artistes who represented fellow musicians during a meeting at the African Union (AU) headquarters, in Ethiopia.

She shared stunning photos on social media and a short video of her speaking during the event, with the main agenda being better pay for artistes.

In her caption, it was clear that she demanded better pay from Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and digital platforms.

Kering addressed the long-standing issue of unfair compensation, calling for urgent reforms to protect artists' intellectual property and ensure they receive fair royalties.

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Kering expressed the significance of the moment, stating that it was an honour to speak on behalf of creatives who have struggled with low payouts despite their contributions to the industry.

She highlighted how CMOs, responsible for collecting and distributing royalties, have failed to provide fair compensation, leaving many artists frustrated and financially strained.

Beyond CMOs, Kering also called out digital streaming platforms, urging them to increase payouts for African artistes.

Kering has been vocal about the lack of transparency in royalty distribution, joining other artistes in demanding accountability from organisations such as the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK).

While streaming has provided musicians with global exposure, many still struggle to earn a substantial income due to low per-stream payments.

Kenyan musicians have repeatedly voiced concerns over inadequate royalty payments, with some receiving as little as KSh1,215 for their work.

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Kering’s advocacy at the AU marks a pivotal moment in the fight for fair compensation in the African music industry.

TUKO.co.ke also reached out to Kering', who disclosed her good relationship with (African Muzik Magazine Awards) AFRIMMA saw her get the opportunity and seen as the best artiste to represent the country.

"It felt great to represent artistes, it's such an honour and the best response was to go and speak from the heart of a lot of artistes who feel their voices can never be heard and honoured to have gotten the opportunity," she said.

The singer said many artistes could earn a good living from their art, but CMOs have been cruel to them.

"There's a lot of artistes who could be able to earn a good living and feed their families with the impact their music has had in the Kenyan music industry. There songs have millions of streams but the artites can make a good living. I think the CMOs have been cruel to them," she said.

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On the CMOs needing restructuring, she noted that doing so for agencies that have been there for a while is a difficult task, adding she does not have any hopes.

"I hard for them to change, I won't say I will not try but I do not have high hopes. That's why I took this as an opportunity to give this topic a voice. Restructuring will be amazing but if that does not come through, we can form other private institutions or someone can pitch a good idea to artistes on how we can be able to collect royalties directly.

On meeting other artites from Africa, Kering' said it was amazing and eye-opening as we experience similar challenges with their CMOs, and it will take a lot to change, especially in Africa.

Here are some of the reactions to her post:

mishmund_58 said:

"Like button for Nikita Kering."

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rememberaudio said:

"Keep up the great work."

lifeof_kabiru said:

"I hope artists will finally get what they deserve!"

iam_gramor254 said:

"Kasamuel traitor ako huku anaomba msamaha wakati nikita anafight for rights za wasanii enyewe."

thomasrajula said:

"And when you look at the disparity between the musicians and the CMO heads, you now see why even Mr Moral Cop is fighting to stay in office even after his term has legally lapsed. The CMO staff and board members are making a Killing off the backs of the artistes who are barely earning."

Nikita Kering on lying in a coffin for music video

In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kering gave insights into starring in her music video while in a coffin for her song On Yah.

The singer admitted that her music video and song did not make sense, but they were meant to be that way, as she planned on releasing her EP.

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She noted the video was explaining what goes on in the EP and it's all about letting go of the old and embracing the bold future.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke