Kenya's vibrant music scene is facing a silent but devastating crisis. Some of the country's most celebrated Gengetone and Urbantone artists have come forward with deeply troubling accounts of how they lost the rights to their music — surrendered through exploitative contracts signed with foreign entities who took advantage of their youth, naivety, and hunger for opportunity.
The scale of the loss is staggering. Over 700 songs — the heartbeat of a generation — have effectively been stripped from the artists who created them. Among those lost is Sipangwingwi, the infectious 2022 anthem by Exray that dominated playlists, social media, and conversations across the country. For many Kenyans, that song was more than entertainment; it was a cultural moment.
A Historic Meeting at State House
In a significant show of solidarity, President William Ruto today hosted the affected Gengetone and Urbantone artists at State House, Nairobi — a powerful signal that Kenya's creative community is no longer fighting this battle alone. The high-level meeting brought the artists' grievances directly to the highest office in the land, marking a turning point in how the government engages with the struggles of young creatives.
During the State House meeting, the artists shared firsthand accounts of the predatory contracts that robbed them of their music catalogues, their royalties, and their livelihoods. What unfolded was not just a policy briefing — it was a reckoning.
President Ruto Steps In With Action
Following the State House engagement, President Ruto has moved decisively to ensure the affected artists receive proper legal representation as they pursue justice in court. This is not merely a legal dispute — it is a fight for the dignity, ownership, and economic rights of Kenya's young creatives.
Beyond the courtroom, the President has taken concrete legislative action. Through the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, he has called for the fast-tracking of the Creative Economy Bill 2026, coupled with sweeping copyright reforms designed to close the loopholes that have long left artists vulnerable to exploitation.
A Digital Solution for Royalty Justice
In a move that modernizes how artists earn from their work, the government has launched a dedicated digital portal on e-Citizen to streamline royalty collection and distribution. This platform is set to bring long-overdue transparency and efficiency to a system that has historically shortchanged Kenya's creatives.
Why This Matters
Kenya's creative industry is not just culture — it is economic power. Gengetone and Urbantone are not niche genres; they are global exports that put Kenya on the world's music map. Allowing foreign entities to profit from this talent while the artists themselves struggle is a national loss that demands national action.
Today's State House meeting, combined with legal support, landmark legislation, and digital infrastructure, signals a definitive turning point. Kenya's artists deserve to own their stories, their sound, and their success.
The government's message, delivered today from the very heart of power, is clear: the era of exploitation is over