As we approach the August 9 General Election, more and more creatives are declaring their interest in various elective seats.
They include MP aspirants Bahati (Mathare), MC Jessy (Imenti South), Jalang'o (Lang'ata), Njambi Koikai (Dagoreti South) and Refigah (Kibra) as well as MCA aspirant DNG Ngibuini.
There has, however, been a concern on whether those who have been in office before had an impact on the creative industry.
In February, the National Assembly passed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2021. It was partly sponsored by a creative, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, and Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga.
The bill underwent a number of amendments, giving copyright holders and musicians more power and control of their works.
According to the bill, copyright holders and musicians will be entitled to not less than 52 per cent of the revenue generated from the sale of their music through ringback tones.
"What I am attempting to do is give enough leeway for the artistes as they go to negotiate and to have enough manoeuvring space," Kiarie said.
Starehe MP Charles Kanyi, alias Jaguar, took to social media to celebrate after President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the bill into law.
Jaguar said he was part of the lawmakers who, through various engagements, saw the bill go through.
Rapper Prezzo was among creatives who blasted Jaguar for not standing with artistes during his five-year tenure as a Member of Parliament.
"Do you want to tell me that in Starehe where he (Jaguar) represents, there are no artistes? The tongue is a very strong weapon, so before you utter a word, you need to think before you speak," he said.
Jaguar later on defended himself, saying he did not go to Parliament to defend artistes.
A few creatives told Word Is they need more representatives in parliament.
Comedian Njugush said, "We need people who have the pain points for all sectors. Whose talking about sports? When do our sportsmen go unpaid and without training kits and proper facilities? We need people who've been through it."
Njugush added that creatives who joined politics had zero impact on the entertainment industry in particular as their focus was on the needs of their constituents.
"Art and entertainment don't make it to the top of their list."
Gospel singer Daddy Owen said some creatives tried but they need more than just one politician in Parliament.
"I was once on the board of a musician organisation, the creative industry has deep-rooted problems than what meets the eye. Young vibrant politicians who see the value of the creative industry in the economy and to young people in society."
Actor Dennis Mugo, alias OJ, said nobody has the deep stick to measure what even veteran politicians have accomplished.
"My point is that just because someone is a musician, actor or whatever doesn't mean that that status should be used for criticism or a basis to either disregard or regarding someone. Voters need to listen to the issues being articulated."
