President William Ruto has stepped in to protect Kenya’s creative sector following a meeting with Gengetone and Urbantone artistes. During the session, the musicians shared harrowing accounts of how they lost the rights to their music through questionable contracts with foreign entities.
The scale of the loss is staggering, involving over 700 songs. Among the lost tracks is the 2022 hit ‘Sipangwingwi’ by Exray, a song that became a defining anthem for national conversations during the last election cycle. President Ruto described it as regrettable that young, talented creatives continue to face such blatant exploitation despite their massive contribution to Kenya’s cultural identity.
Legal Support and Industry Protection
To remedy the situation, the president has facilitated immediate legal support for the affected artistes. This move ensures that professional legal teams represent the musicians in court as they fight to reclaim their intellectual property.
Beyond the courtroom, the government and the artistes have agreed on practical measures to safeguard future interests. The goal is to ensure every creator receives a fair reward for their work and remains the primary beneficiary of their talent.
Legislative Reforms and Digital Solutions
The President has also turned his attention to the legislative framework governing the arts. He directed the National Assembly, through the Majority Leader, to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026. This bill, alongside critical copyright reforms, seeks to strengthen intellectual property rights and secure the long-term future of the creative economy.
In a move to modernize the industry, the President informed the performers that the government has established a dedicated digital portal on e-Citizen. This platform will streamline the collection and distribution of royalties, providing a transparent system that ensures money reaches the rightful owners without interference.
The post From ‘Sipangwingwi’ to 700 Tracks: Ruto Moves to Protect Kenyan Artists as Gengetone Stars Fight to Reclaim Lost Songs appeared first on Bossnana.
