By Kamau Mbote
Piublished October 11, 2023
Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE), a trade association for recorded music industry in Kenya, has been launched.
RIKE is a not-for-profit organization that was registered in 2022 to promote the collective interests of producers of sound recordings in the East African country.
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Supported by Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, RIKE’s purpose is to serve the interests of owners of sound recordings through lobbying for a supportive policy and legislative environment. RIKE will work with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the recorded music ecosystem is protected across its various revenue streams including the digital space that has realized strong growth in recent years but which continues to face the threat of piracy and illegal exploitation of recorded music. The organization will also works with stakeholders to ensure collective management of sound recordings aligns with standard practice, which includes the establishment of a culture of corporate governance. RIKE will collaborate with IFPI to align with global best practices and participate in broader industry initiatives and will be working closely with IFPI in the administration of the International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) in Kenya.
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RIKE will build robust educational programmes for its members that will focus, among others, on the importance of ISRC as the key identifier enabling efficient and effective management of sound recording and music video rights across platforms, and in the accurate monitoring and distribution of royalties in the performance rights sector.
Eric Musyoka, Executive Producer of Decimal Records and Chairman of REIKE, says now more than ever, he is optimistic about the future of the Kenyan recording industry.
“Having witnessed the industry evolve over the last two decades, we know the importance of setting a foundation for critical systems and programmes for investors in the recorded music industry,” Musyoka says. “The board and I will use our experience and we welcome like-minded individuals to join us; together, we will build a reliable mark of excellence for the local recording industry.”
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Angela Mwandanda, National Coordinator for RIKE, says, “Since its establishment, RIKE has had great engagement with music stakeholders and potential partners whose interests align with ours. It is very encouraging to receive the support from the international record companies and such enthusiasm for progress; I am looking forward to seeing the industry reach its full potential.”
RIKE’s board comprises individuals with a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive experience and success in their music business careers. The members include:
- Eric Musyoka of Decimal Records, Chair of the organization
- Bien-Aime Alusa, a member of Sauti Sol and co-founder of Sol Generation Records
- Suzanne Gachukia-Opembe of SubSahara Limited
- Lavern Thomas, the Special Projects Lead at Warner Music Group
- John Katana Harrison of Them Mushrooms and Kalakata Music
- Manusha Sarawan, Managing Director of Universal Music Group for Southern and East Africa
- Japheth Kasanga of Kassanga Music Centre, and
- Sean Watson, Managing Director at Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
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