Kenyan singer and actress Anastasia Kirathe has responded after her debut music video, Karma, was accused of copying visual concepts and choreography from another Kenyan music video.
The controversy began after creative director Faiza Hersi accused Anastasia and video director Brian Obra of borrowing elements from Rudia, a music video by Ukweli and Xenia Manasseh.
Faiza shared side-by-side comparisons of scenes from the two videos, highlighting what she described as similarities in their visual concepts and choreography.
Following the comparisons, Faiza gave Anastasia and her team 24 hours to take down the Karma video.
She warned that failure to remove the video would lead to further action, including pursuing a formal copyright-related takedown and possible legal action.
The accusations quickly sparked discussion among Kenyan music fans, with some questioning the similarities between the two productions.
Anastasia Denies Copying ‘Rudia’
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Anastasia has since broken her silence, firmly denying that she or her team copied any Kenyan music video.
In a post on Instagram, she expressed disbelief at being given only 24 hours to remove the video, particularly because of the amount of preparation that went into the production.
“Being given 24hours to take down a video is crazy as someone who’s very thorough in every shoot I have done,” she said.
Anastasia.Kirathe // Instagram
She maintained that the creative process behind Karma was original.
“My team and I did not take any inspiration from any Kenyan’s music video. Every single detail was originally thought of and put into consideration. Thank you!” Anastasia added.
Brian Obra Also Responds
Video director Brian Obra has also denied knowingly copying Rudia.
Obra said he only watched the disputed music video after the accusations had already been raised, distancing himself from claims that he deliberately borrowed its concepts.
His response adds another layer to the ongoing debate, as Faiza’s accusations specifically named him alongside Anastasia.
A Similar Copyright Row Was Recently Resolved
The Karma controversy comes just days after another copyright dispute involving Kenyan musicians was resolved.
On August 14, Kapitani and Master VK had resolved their Kitemeo copyright dispute following mediation. The story, headlined “Viral Hit ‘Bag Ni Ya Nini’ Set to Return to YouTube Following Successful Mediation,” reported that a lawmaker stepped in to help settle the disagreement.
The dispute had threatened the availability of the viral hit, but mediation provided a way for the parties to reach an agreement and pave the way for the song to return to YouTube.
The development demonstrates how copyright disagreements in Kenya's entertainment industry can move from social-media accusations to formal disputes before being resolved through dialogue.
