MCSK just released its list of highest-earning artists in the period July 2013-July 2014, and of course they shouldn’t be top-earning artists. Yes, you might expect musicians like Jaguar to sit comfortably in one spot, but surprisingly he misses out on a spot on the list of Kenya’s highest-earning musicians.
Anyone very familiar with the music industry will know that producers and songwriters earn more than singers and rappers. Surprised? I know it would be you Well, they’re the ones who have the main job of getting the song just right.
Indeed, Kenya has made remarkable progress from the days of artists who depended on side jobs that bring in hard cash. Of course, the days when music wasn’t taken very seriously are so over in Kenya that musicians now earn more than six-figure sums. It’s safe to say that the headphones are a good deal, as DJ Khaled once said.
MCSK has just completed the announcement of the highest earning licensees in Kenya and 10 people shared a jackpot of Shillings 31 million . Amounts quoted were kshs 28,054,147/- out of a total collection of kshs 31,160, 538/- paid by broadcasters during the financial year 1/06/2013 to 31/07/2014. In fact, I’m considering dropping some hot music at the rate these musicians are earning. But right now, these 10 musicians listed below are in the spotlight when they just became billionaires.
It is clear that Kenyan musicians are making money from broadcasting royalties received from media houses such as Royal Media Services, Radio Africa Group, Standard Group, Nation Media Group to name a few. As you might expect, the payday of some Kenyan musicians gives them the largest amount. If you’ve listened to MCSK’s recent announcement, you’ll know what I mean when I say music can make you a quick buck.
10. Dennis Waweru Kagia (DNA)
Dennis Waweru Kagia is the 10th highest earner on our list of the 10 highest paid artists. This may come as a surprise but he wins big in the collection of 31 million shillings.
9. Paul Mwai Muthike
Meet our 9th top earner. For those expecting the bling-bling boys instead, you might be in for a surprise, but for those in the know, Paul Mwai Muthike is worthy of being on the highest-grossing musicians list. Yes, you could call him a dumb moneymaker, because he really is on his way to becoming number one soon.
8. Mercy Wangoi Wambogo (Mercy Linah)
Mercy Wangoi sits comfortably at the 8th position on our list of the highest paid musicians. She may seem calm, but her payday puts a big smile on her face. No wonder she never fails to give a smile that makes her teeth look whiter than ever in every photo.
7. Pamela Akinyi (Les Wanyika)
Here’s the seventh highest earner according to MSCK, recently announced among the top ten earning artists. Remember that Les Wanyika is a band group formed in 1978 who migrated to Kenya from Tanzania in search of a greener environment.
6. John Mwangi Ng’ang’a (John De Mathew)
John Mwangi also finished sixth.
5. Andrew Mutara Kamau (Dennis Mutara)
Andrew Mutara Kamau probably doesn’t make the list, but his work is appreciated. He wins big MSCK royalties and is on the top earners list. He is the fifth highest paid artist in Kenya.
4. Sarah Kiarie (Sarah K)
Sarah made the list as the fourth highest earner. She was an inspiration to many with her song, which won the Groove Awards Liseme. The faith-respecting woman once shared her story about life’s challenges, how she used to sell vegetables and worked tirelessly to sell her albums. Now she earns six figures.
Also Read: Your Favorite Musicians in Kenya and Their Real Names
3. Gloria Muliro
Gloria is a Kenyan gospel musician and songwriter. She first appeared in 2005 when she released her first studio album entitled Omwami Aletsa, which means The Lord is Coming. As of 2013, Gloria has up to four albums to her credit, her most successful being Kibali. He is the third highest earner on this list.
2.Angela Chibalonza
This famous woman who touched many souls, with her song she ranks second in the top ten highest paid musicians in Kenya. The famous Congolese songwriter and gospel singer Angela Chibalonza is known for her dynamic voice.
1. Robert Kamanzi
Ladies and gentlemen, here comes our number one top earner. Robert, popularly known as RKay, is one of East Africa’s most versatile and decorated producers who took first place. He’s the man behind the region’s biggest hits and MCSK’s biggest music fee earner. You’re right to call him the royalties king of 2015. He may not be a prominent artist but receives royalties for his role as a composer and arranger for hit-related musical works from artists such as Nameless, Habida Esther, Wahome to name a few.