Understanding music copyright protects your work and ensures you get paid when people use your songs. Many Kenyan artists lose money simply because they don’t know their rights.
What Copyright Means
You own copyright the moment you create original music. Copyright covers both lyrics and melodies. You don’t need to register anywhere for basic protection. However, registration makes enforcement much easier. Copyright lasts your lifetime plus 50 years in Kenya.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK)
MCSK collects royalties when your music plays publicly. Registration costs approximately KES 5,000 for new members. They monitor radio, TV, clubs, and public venues. MCSK distributes collected royalties to registered members quarterly. Join even if you’re an upcoming artist—it’s worth it.
Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK)
PRISK specifically handles performer rights separate from composition. If you perform on a recording, you have performer rights. Registration is separate from MCSK and equally important. They collect from broadcast and public performance. Both organizations work together but collect different rights.
Types of Royalties
Performance royalties come from radio, TV, and live venues. Mechanical royalties come from physical sales and downloads. Streaming royalties come from platforms like Spotify. Synchronization royalties come from TV shows, films, and ads. Publishing royalties if someone else records your song.
Protecting Your Work
Register songs with MCSK as soon as they’re released. Keep original recording files with timestamps. Document your creative process when possible. Use written agreements for all collaborations. Specify ownership percentages clearly in writing. Never release music without clarifying who owns what.
Collecting Your Money
Check MCSK’s website regularly for payment schedules. Ensure your contact information stays updated. Submit playlists of your work performed live. Track where your music is being used publicly. Report unauthorized use immediately through proper channels.
Collaborations and Splits
Agree on percentages before recording anything. Standard splits are often 50-50 for two-person collaborations. Producers typically get 20-30% of composition royalties. Featured artists get separate performer royalties. Put everything in writing, even with friends.
International Rights
If your music plays outside Kenya, register with international societies. Some distributors handle international royalty collection. YouTube Content ID helps track usage globally. Copyright is recognized internationally through treaties. Consider this as your music grows.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t sign away all rights for small upfront payments. Read every contract carefully before signing. Never trust verbal agreements about ownership. Don’t assume producers automatically get ownership. Keep records of everyone who contributed to each song.
Protecting your music and collecting royalties takes effort but ensures you build a sustainable career from your creative work.