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Months after exchanging words on social media, the CEO of the Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Ezekiel Mutua, has finally met with artist Sylvia Ssaru, the singer of the popular youth anthem "Kaskie Vibaya."
The two, who were thought to be sworn enemies, came together at the Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) ceremony on Wednesday night.
The PMVA, recognizing and promoting Kenyan music, is organized by the Pulse magazine under the Standard Media Group. The event took place at Nairobi Street Kitchen in Westlands, Nairobi.
With joy, Mutua stated that he is now an advisor to Ssaru. He clarified that what happened a few months ago was not animosity but an attempt to guide her artistically.
Mutua expressed that now they can say it is "Kaskie Vizuri," playing on the meaning of the song that sparked controversy between them, 'Kaskie Vizuri,' where Ssaru collaborated with Fathermoh.
"My new advisee Sylvia Saru now says 'Kaskie Vizuri.' We celebrate our young creatives who appreciate the power of music and the efforts we make to ensure that music is respected and profitable," Mutua wrote.
In June last year, Mutua expressed displeasure with the content of the collaboration between Fathermoh and Ssaru – "Kaskie Vibaya" – stating that the song was misleading society.
He argued that by continuing to produce songs with explicit content, artists entertain unknown online audiences, receiving mere verbal appreciation, while distancing themselves from lucrative commercial partnerships.
Many companies, Mutua added, avoid associating with content that tarnishes their brand.
"So, you create one explicit song, and it gets into your head to the point where you disregard the advice of experienced elders and professionals by dismissing them with a wave, 'Kaskie Vibaya, and so what?'" Mutua questioned.
"Then, foreigners raise insults and your arrogance on social media, thinking you are on top of the world. It's a song that is popular in all nightclubs. But the stations and clubs using your song don't pay you anything, or if they do, it's peanuts. In reality, many organizations do not associate their brands with filth, so you isolate yourself from significant income while amusing people you don't know on social media," Mutua added.
