The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has been a key player in ensuring musicians receive royalties for their work. Under CEO Ezekiel Mutua, the organization has made strides in improving transparency and payouts. In 2025, MCSK disbursed millions in royalties, with some artists earning significantly more than in previous years.
This article reveals the Top 10 Highest Paid Artists by MCSK, their earnings, and the latest developments in Kenya’s royalty distribution system.
MCSK Royalty Distribution
MCSK has been working to enhance royalty payments, moving away from past issues where artists received as little as KSh 600. In 2025, the society projected collections of over KSh 2 billion, with improved payouts for musicians.
Key highlights:
- Top international artist: Diamond Platnumz earned KSh 757,092 for his music played in Kenya.
- Highest-paid local artist: Reuben Kigame received KSh 122,410.
- The lowest payout has increased from KSh 600 to KSh 5,000, signaling better revenue sharing.
Top 10 Highest Paid Artists by MCSK
Here’s the full list of top earners based on MCSK’s latest royalty disbursements:
| Artist | Royalties (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1. Rehema Lugose | 757,092 |
| 2. Reuben Kigame | 122,410 |
| 3. Otile Brown | 120,000 |
| 4. Praise Makena | 110,000 |
| 5. Marakwet Daughter | 108,123 |
| 6. Stephen Kasolo | 106,862 |
| 7. Joseph Shisia Wasira | 101,137 |
| 8. Joseph Ngala | 101,032 |
| 9. Jackson Wambua | 91,524 |
| 10. Solomon Mkubwa | 74,138 |
Notable Mentions:
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzanian) – KSh 757,092.
- Nyashinski, Bien, Samidoh, Jua Cali – Each earned over KSh 100,000 but chose not to disclose exact figures.
Why Are Some Artists Earning More?
Several factors contribute to higher payouts:
- New Music Tariffs – MCSK negotiated better rates from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and radio stations.
- Government Collaboration – Partnerships with the Ministry of Arts and Culture improved royalty enforcement.
- Transparency Efforts – Ezekiel Mutua introduced stricter auditing to ensure fair distribution.
Challenges & Controversies
Despite progress, MCSK faces hurdles:
- Legal battles with PAVRISK over royalty collection rights.
- Boardroom wrangles between CEO Ezekiel Mutua and former directors.
- Delayed payments due to disputes with media houses owing KSh 1.4 billion.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Highest Paid Artists by MCSK in 2025 reflect a positive shift in Kenya’s music royalty system. While challenges remain, artists are now earning more than ever, signaling hope for a fairer industry.
Which artist’s earnings surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
Drop Your Comments, What do you think About The Article?