Image: Courtesy
Kenya's internationally celebrated boy band issued a statement expressing their disappointment in their song being used in a political rally without their consent.
In the statement, the band highlighted termed the decision by Azimio to use their song without consent a heinous copyright infringement as directed by section 35, CAP 170 of the Copyright Act of Kenya.
"This is blatant copyright infringement as directed by section 35, CAP 170 of the Copyright Act of Kenya," the band said in a statement.
"We did not license this song to the Azimio la Umoja Campaign neither did we give any consent for its use in the announcement of their Vice-Presidential Candidate. Furthermore, our authority to use the composition, which is one of our most distinct compositions was neither sought nor given."
The boy band clearly distanced themselves from the political party adding that they are not supporting any political party.
Following their statement, Sauti Sol has received backlash for calling out the political party for using their hit-song 'Extravaganza'.
It is ironic that Kenyan musicians cry day in day out about being exploited and we rally behind them asking the government to do better to protect our artists but when they demand their dues from people in power, they are attacked.
Netizens camped on the bands Instagram page, most clearly voicing their disappointment in the band and how the move was uncalled for.
Below are a few of the reactions:
danis_choice : first of all, it is deputy president not vice president. Vice president existed in the old constitution. Now you can continue ranting.
mikemanani_imports: now this is petty asf!!!
mwagojulius: the kind of negative impact this will have in your career moving forward might be witnessed in the coming days
rajini_nicholas: Bien the secretary general of clout chasing Kenya
gachaumalcom: never been disappointed by a post than this. Why?
mishy_gathecha: lol, get over yourselves
joanthaoffcourse: unfollow button.... mijinga nyinyi
t.nyokabi83: mkwende uko. You can play the songs for yourselves
iantosslizip: ivo ndo am done with Sauti Sol iyo ni upuzi mambo madogo hayo so pia nyinyi munaanza clout chasing
