Comedian Jasper Muthomi alias MC Jessy has criticized the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) for demanding a hefty fee ahead of his highly anticipated show.
MC Jessy revealed his frustrations during an interview with SPM Buzz on Tuesday, December 10, where he disclosed the events leading up to the demand.
According to him, MCSK insisted he pay Ksh200,000 as a requirement to host the show, threatening legal consequences if he failed to comply.
“I received a very threatening call, by the way. I even have a recording. They said that if we don’t pay Ksh200,000 to the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), we won’t do the show. In fact, they said I will be arrested if we dared do the show. It was not a kind call; I felt disrespected as an artist,” he stated.
The comedian questioned how MCSK arrived at the figure, especially since he did not plan to use music in his performance.
“My question is, how do they arrive at that amount? They said that because I will play Kenyan music. I told them, ‘Who told you that I’m going to play music?'” he recounted a phone call he had with the organization.
Will not pay
MC Jessy further explained that while he intends to incorporate some Kenyan music in his jokes, he prefers paying individual musicians directly rather than going through MCSK.
“I will call them and ask them how much I need to pay them. I know they would make more money than paying directly to MCSK. So I will not pay MCSK. Let them come and arrest me,” he stated.
He noted that demand has added strain to his preparations for the show, which he has been working tirelessly to organize and promote. He lamented the financial burden he has already faced to ensure the event’s success, describing the Ksh200,000 fee as an additional hurdle.
“I’ve had to use a lot of money to ensure this event will be a success.I’ve been told I’ll be arrested on Wednesday if I dare do my very own comedy show without paying the Ksh200,000,” he said on Monday via Instagram.
