Safaricom increases Skiza earnings for artists

Safaricom has announced an increase in Skiza revenue share for artists and content creators in a move that is set to benefit more than 20,000 of them.

The increased earnings will come as a boost to many artists and content creators in the country whose incomes have been hard hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More  than 20,000 artists and content-creators are set to benefit from increased earnings of 40% from all their Skiza tunes on the platform.

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa says the move is a boost to the creative industry in supporting talent growth and sustainability.

The increase in revenue share will be effective for all content on the platform from July 1, 2021 and will apply to both music and non-music tones.

Safaricom also says the move is part of its longterm strategy to support growth of the entertainment industry in Kenya through innovation.

The announcement comes just six days after Royal Media Services owner Dr. SK Macharia led artists in celebrating 25% excise duty exemption on Skiza tunes earnings, at his home in Gatanga.

On the Skiza platform artists will now receive 43 cents for each shilling earned, up from the previous 16 cents. they are now pushing for a further nine cents to hit the 52 per cent mark.

Speaking during the event, Dr. SK Macharia said the music industry was rich and had the potential to generate greater benefits to the country if well managed.