Gachagua vs. Mugithi Artists: MCSK Boss Mutua Issues Fierce Statement

The Music Copyright Society of Kenya, through their CEO Ezekiel Mutua has issued a stern warning to entertainment venues that might be tempted to heed Rigathi Gachagua’s advice about boycotting works of art from Mt Kenya musicians who visited DP Kindiki.

According to Mutua, any move to boycott MCSK members’ music will be treated as a form of economic sabotage to artists trying to make ends meet using their talent.

Mutua defended the artists who visited Kindiki among them Samidoh, Jose Gatutura, Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior, saying that by visiting the Deputy president, they were simply exercising their constitutional right of freedom of association by engaging in discussions on critical issues affecting the growth of the music industry.

“Let it be clearly stated that MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members. Any entertainment venue that complies with calls to discriminate against our artists will not be authorized to play music licensed by MCSK,” part of Mutua’s letter posted on his X page read.

 Mutua also called on the entertainment venues to come forward and publicly disassociate themselves from Gachagua’s sentiments, warning that if they follow Gachagua’s word, MCSK will reiterate by banning the venues from using any work of art from any of their members.

“We urge all entertainment establishments to reject this unfortunate and potentially harmful boycott call, which undermines fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression. We also call upon our artists to remain united and not allow themselves to be divided by political interests,” Mutua said in the letter.

Mutua defended artists in general, saying that their voices are often of reason and that sometimes works of art can be used to bring about change and healing.

The embattled MCSK CEO called on everyone from every political divide to respect artistic works, as it is through such works that even national unity can be promoted by spreading messages of peace.

“Artists have a unique role as voices of reason and agents of healing. Through their creativity and inspiring melodies, they can help soothe and unite the nation. Their contribution to national development transcends personal gain and must be honoured as such.”

MCSK will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take all necessary measures to ensure that any discrimination against our artists is appropriately addressed and sanctioned,” he added.

Gachagua, seemingly not pleased by the artistes who visited DP Kindiki at his residency, labeled them traitors of the community and announced a raft of punishments that he’d like his community people to take against them.

"The elders agreed that we should stop listening to their songs. And the entertainment joints that used to invite them should stop, and if they do, customers should leave that joint. People should also unfollow their social media platforms," Gachagua said on Sunday.

According to the former DP, the artists were paid Ksh50,000 to visit the current deputy president at his Karen residence on Friday, March 23.

"They went and were given Ksh50,000. The people they go to entertain are tired of the administration, yet they go and sit down with people who are still frustrating us, and so we should unfollow artists who don't apologize to the community," Gachagua said.