Kenyan Musicians asked to submit claims for cash to cover up ‘supposed losses’ during COVID-19 Lockdown – Ambassador Amina Mohammed requests

The Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage, Ambassador Amina Mohammed has called upon all artists, actors and musicians represented across the country to submit their works for the “Work for Pay” Kshs. 100 million stimuli package provided by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta to cushion the creative industry during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.  These were her sentiments during the burial of renowned Legend John Nzenze’s burial over the weekend read by former MCSK Chairman Bernard Mukaisi Iganga.

In her tribute to the fallen maestro, The CS said, “John Nzenze will be remembered as the musician who pioneered African twist with among others, the single ‘Angelike Twist‘. His recordings will forever be an inspiration to all his peers and should inspire young and upcoming musicians and artists.” “We will miss his great performances but all those he motivated will keep his vision alive through each small action we take towards enabling a better music and cultural industry.” She added.

The CS has also encouraged artistes to put in submissions in support of John Nzenze’s legacy which will stand as a resounding example to all the musicians,  who revered Nzenze  as an inspiration.

The Ministry has engaged the private sector, artists and the entire industry in discussions to review and enhance the effectiveness and commercial value of music production.

To this end, we have designated the Permanent Presidential Music Commission as a key resource in this endeavor. Our goal is to expand their studios to accommodate many more artists in affordable high quality vocal, instrumental training and production. So far, PPMC has mentored more than 10,000 musicians since August last year and will continue to do more to spread creation resources to all 47 Counties, particularly those with a critical mass of legendary composers and vocalists.

In order to streamline operations within the industry, we have waived the fees required by the Department of Culture to register cultural artists, including herbalists, with the Ministry. This will ensure that no one is locked out of this process on account of lack of financial resources. I therefore urge and encourage artists and musicians to register with the Department of Culture to provide us a platform to communicate and work together to build the sector.

The Ministry will soon roll out a non-internet based USSD code to allow more people from the counties to enroll as well as commence production road shows to evaluate and package entries from across the country.

(Source: Clientele PR)