NAIROBI, Kenya- A public clash has erupted between digital strategist and State House advisor Dennis Itumbi and rapper Octopizzo over the management and distribution of artists’ royalties in Kenya, exposing deep mistrust within the creative industry.
At the centre of the dispute are sweeping claims by Itumbi that recent reforms have “fixed” challenges facing Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), with collections now allegedly routed through the government’s eCitizen platform and distributed at a ratio of 70pc to artists and 30pc to CMOs.
But Octopizzo has strongly pushed back, accusing the government of misleading artists and demanding proof of payments.
“Show the money,” Octopizzo demands
In response, the musician questioned the legitimacy of the claims, challenging Itumbi to produce a verifiable list of artists who have received royalties under the new system.
“Show one verifiable list of artists paid. Most haven’t seen a cent,” Octopizzo said, framing the issue as one of legal accountability rather than public relations.
He further raised concerns about the role of the state in handling what he described as private intellectual property income, arguing that royalties belong to artists and not the government.
Legal and constitutional concerns raised
Octopizzo argued that CMOs operate as agents—not owners—of artists’ rights, and their authority depends on consent from musicians.
He questioned the legal basis for routing royalties through a state-controlled platform, asking:
- What law authorises the use of eCitizen for royalty collection and distribution?
- Whether artists consented to the system
- Under what framework the government acts as an intermediary
“Without consent, this stops being administration and becomes appropriation,” he warned.
Itumbi defends reforms
In his response, Itumbi maintained that reforms in the sector have been implemented without the need to amend existing laws, insisting the system is now working.
He said CMOs currently retain 30pc of collections while 70pc goes to musicians, adding that the previously dominant Music Copyright Society of Kenya is no longer a licensed CMO.
Itumbi also pointed to ongoing efforts by President William Ruto to protect artists’ rights, including interventions to address past disputes involving royalty payments.
He invited Octopizzo for a meeting to review progress and align on solutions, saying: “I am willing to engage you on facts… we agree on what remains and we do it.”
Industry trust deficit laid bare
However, Octopizzo rejected calls for closed-door engagement, instead demanding a public forum involving media scrutiny.
He called for a televised session, such as on JKLive, where government officials would present:
- Audited collection figures
- Distribution reports
- Legal frameworks backing the reforms
- A list of artists paid and amounts disbursed
“This is a public matter affecting thousands of artists,” he said.
