Renowned singer Bien-Aime Baraza has revealed that he declined an invitation from MCSK to collect his royalties due to the organization's habit of distributing minimal funds to artists.
"MCSK called me to pick up my check, but I told them that I know the amount of money they distribute to artists, so I don't have time to come and pick up Ksh 1500," Bien disclosed.
Speaking during an interview on the "Iko Nini Podcast," the singer revealed that MCSK had tried to convince him several times to claim his dues, although he rejected the invitation because they withheld an amount of money that he considered too little.
He also noted that the society has not yet sent him an 'unknown amount.'
"I asked MCSK how much money they wanted me to collect to see if it was worth my time, but they refused to disclose," Bien said.
He claimed that MCSK wanted to use him as a spokesperson to prove that artists were paid their dues, while the mentioned amount was relatively small.
"You want me to come and use me to say that artists were paid, and in essence, you know that this collection is chump change," Bien said.
Bien mentioned that the solution to the issue of minimal payouts to artists is strong leadership and added that the society should be led by people who understand governance and music issues.
"MCSK should be run by technocrats. People who understand the music industry and governance. That's the only way it can work," Bien stressed.
Furthermore, Bien praised Hubert Nakitare, popularly known as Nonini, for speaking out against Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), including MCSK, for misusing artists' funds.
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