Ezekiel Mutua terms Vernacular Music a Cultural Custodian

Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), has hailed vernacular music as a major vehicle for promoting cultural values.

Mutua made the remarks while congratulating the participants and winners of the Miruri Gospel Music Awards, which were held on June 9, 2024, at the Nairobi Cinema.

"Vernacular music is a major component of the copyright business ecosystem and is a major vehicle for promoting our cultural values," Mutua said in a post on his official X account. He added that MCSK is delighted to work with the Miruri Gospel Music Awards to celebrate artists from counties through such awards.

The glamorous awards ceremony was attended by the nominated Member of Parliament, Sabina Chege, who served as the chief guest and other dignitaries. Mutua described the event as seeking "to identify, nurture and celebrate talents from the grassroots" and said it has become the "fulcrum of our campaign to promote quality and clean content."

The Miruri Gospel Music Awards is an initiative to encourage and recognise artists' achievements in the Kikuyu and Kigosho music industries. The nominees were voted for online.

"Congratulations to all participants and the winners," Mutua concluded, underscoring the importance of such platforms in showcasing and promoting Kenya's rich cultural heritage through the medium of vernacular music.