Why Kenyan Gospel Singer Reuben Kigame Has Banned Gov't Officials from Speaking at His Funeral
Kenyan gospel singer Reuben Kigame has forbidden representatives from the government and copyright societies from speaking at his funeral once he dies.
Through a series of tweets, Kigame said he has nothing to show for all the years he has been in the music industry, despite his songs being played on local radio stations and public events.
“I wish to go public about something and I want it marked well: if you one day hear musician Reuben Kigame is dead, do not allow any government representative or those from the so cold copyright societies to speak at my funeral service. What I have been through under them is enough,” an aggrieved Kigame wrote.
Kigame, who has recorded 29 albums since he started his career 34 years ago, says he earns a measly Sh18,000 per month in royalties.
“Been recording music since 1987. Released 29 albums with daily airplay in many stations around Kenya. My songs are played on just about every public event including by police and military bands,” Kigame tweeted.
Kigame says the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK), Safaricom, the pirate network, and cartel theft were to blame for his woes.
“Before I am told to be grateful, think about MCSK and PRISK hoarding royalties from 2009, Safaricom, and other bodies getting the bigger share in collections, piracy, and cartel theft! If anyone doubted God can provide, ask me. I am one of those doing very well, or so I assume. What are other musicians getting? Out of Ksh 10 of skiza royalties, I keep Ksh 2 or 3. The rest is somebody else’s!”
Kigame, who is also an author, says he received Sh10,545 in February 2021 after a loan deduction of Sh6,986.
Some of his top hits include Huniachi, Enda Nasi, and Bwana ni Mchungaji Wangu.
Comments
I feel you pain sir!…
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I feel you pain sir! Everything in Kenya is corrupt!
Most Kenyans including Mr…
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Most Kenyans including Mr.Kigame are to blame for respecting the so-called leaders.You sound cheap while addressing WEZI kama Uhuru,Kibaki,Ruto-mugathe/mutukufu(exellency),wezi wa mambavu I/murderers and drug lords kama-PRIME MURDERER Raila,Kabogo,Wanjiru,Joho,Sonko,Obado wahesimiwa,exellency etc.I have seen and heard many idiots saying BAABA REPRESENTS US IN “ EATING”.Saa hio muchawi is raking shs 200m per day of the shs 2b.daily loot.Others including journalists address thugs like Kirubi,Wanjigi,Pattine,Awori etc as billionaires,tycoons.HAWA WOTE NI SHINGO/RISASI TU FULLSTOP
I wish Kigame meets a good…
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I wish Kigame meets a good lawyer like Orengo’s teacher,Prof Kibutha Kibwana and explain everything to him.Mwalimu can guide Kigame free of charge.
@ Morris Menye, you are in…
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In reply to I wish Kigame meets a good… by Morris Menye (not verified)
@ Morris Menye, you are in the right direction.Yes agood copyright,and royalty,or contract lawyer is what is needed. I dont know if those you mentioned are experts in that field.
Many musicians have lost alot of pay due to ignorance,and exploitation by producers,managers,and distributors. Actually this industry is complex.Remember most musicians in Kenya are unfortunately not enlightened in their industry.I believe the music associations in Kenya are trying to do something about it.
Its a no win situation for Kenyan musicians.To hire lawyers,or produce and manage your own product,even if you know how, would cost you some cash.And not too many "ordinary Kenyan" musicians can afford to support his or her family on music alone.
Yes, the musician's lamentations are valid.
@ Morris Menye, you are in…
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In reply to I wish Kigame meets a good… by Morris Menye (not verified)
@ Morris Menye, you are in the right direction.Yes agood copyright,and royalty,or contract lawyer is what is needed. I dont know if those you mentioned are experts in that field.
Many musicians have lost alot of pay due to ignorance,and exploitation by producers,managers,and distributors. Actually this industry is complex.Remember most musicians in Kenya are unfortunately not enlightened in their industry.I believe the music associations in Kenya are trying to do something about it.
Its a no win situation for Kenyan musicians.To hire lawyers,or produce and manage your own product,even if you know how, would cost you some cash.And not too many "ordinary Kenyan" musicians can afford to support his or her family on music alone.
Yes, the musician's lamentations are valid.
Such a shame! Musicians in…
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Such a shame! Musicians in other foreign countries especially in the west are some of the wealthiest people, but in Kenya they are literally being robbed right in front of their eyes...only a handful can live of their hard work.
This is the voice of many…
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This is the voice of many artists gospel or otherwise. The society and government is corrupt including church they eat your proceeds. What is 3 percent royalty ? Some music singers have resorted to other businesses to survive. I even wonder You tube is to begin charging in a few months as I write. Will they pay you for those who listen online. What of radio stations do u pay singers when u play their songs. Kanisa pesa do u pay choir ,singers etc for uplifting your church no you fill your thirsty pockets. Kagame is a powerful singer but we kenyans have only continued to eat their sweat 😓. Sisi ni wezi wabaya na bule kabisa. Worse than Coronavirus. Kenya government from independence has been a mess .Welfare society broken instead thievery proceeds at will .Selikari mafi ya punda tu.
What about your close…
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What about your close relatives if they will be working for the government?
That is very painful. Law…
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That is very painful. Law enforcement must act on this by confiscating pirated content sold everywhere. Its sad even Christians buy stolen stuff coz of price without thinking. Yvonne Chaka never made a shilling from Kenya yet radio and tv played her music
@Morris did u mention the…
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@Morris did u mention the stupid lawyer Orengo???Orengo is incompetent lawyer.He is so much full of nonsense in his head.I use to admire the idiot about 20 years ago but he has shown how useless his education became.He is one of the idiot who pushed for 2010 constitution change knowing very well it’s not for common mwanachi only for his god baba raila n he is doing the same shit with bbi just for again baba to b in power but not the Wanjiku who he was fighting for in 80’s/90’ so please I will personally not even hire Orengo incase my dog is stollen to represent me.
KwaMbira guy,I only said…
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In reply to @Morris did u mention the… by Mkenya halisi (not verified)
KwaMbira guy,I only said jambazi Orengo’s teacher,Prof Kibutha Kibwana who currently is the only working and honest servant of Kenyans.
Youtube pays. He should be…
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Youtube pays. He should be making millions because his music has more than 10M views.
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