Nairobi hosts the first industry workshop for Kenya’s recording industry

The historic three-day hybrid workshop, which took place in Nairobi last week from May 6–8, 2025, was successfully ended by the Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE). A diverse group of industry professionals from Kenya, South Africa, and the UK came together for the event, which aimed to provide Kenyan record producers with essential industry knowledge, skills, and global networks.

The workshop included topics such as digital monetization, intellectual property rights, AI in the music industry, financial literacy, business acumen, and content protection and enforcement over the course of three days. In addition to strengthening their collective voice through RIKE membership, participants obtained insights in line with international standards through direct interaction with stakeholders and industry experts. Additionally, the workshop helped independent artists and record labels with rights to join the group and register as official members.

The organization that represents independent and label-based record producers in Kenya is called RIKE. Through programs including ISRC code issuing, legislative advocacy, chart certification, and anti-piracy enforcement, the non-profit organization stands up for the rights and interests of Kenyan record producers while also promoting change and industry expansion.

The current situation of the Kenyan recording business was examined by Angela Ndambuki, Sub-Saharan Director of IFPI, who emphasized both its potential and persistent structural issues. A fair and transparent regulatory environment for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) is crucial, according to Sharon Wata, Deputy Executive Director at KECOBO, and Maurice Okoth, CEO of KAMP. Meanwhile, Mike Strano, Chair of the Partners Against Piracy Association of Kenya, discussed the growing threat of online piracy and its detrimental effects on rights holders. In addition to providing insights from South Africa’s SAMPRA, SAMPRA’s Chief Legal and Revenue Officer, Ntsietso Mokitimi-Makhofola, presented plans for a cooperative and sustainable future for the recorded music business, highlighting the importance of robust compliance and collection management systems.

According to RIKE’s National Coordinator, Angela Mwandanda, “RIKE’s first industry workshop was about knowledge, empowerment, and unity.” With the help of the British Council and our esteemed partners, we established a space where record producers could comprehend their rights, make money from their work, and cooperate internationally. Making informal, experience-based knowledge more widely available and motivating music owners to unify behind RIKE was a significant step.

“This was a turning point for the Kenyan music industry,” said Eric Musyoka, Executive Producer of Decimal Records and Chairman of RIKE, echoing her thoughts. Our main objective was to increase record producers’ ability to compete internationally as well as to prosper domestically. We need to put our artists at the forefront of the discussion, both as entrepreneurs and as participants in the expanding creative economy.

Eric Musyoka and Mikey Akin of the UK-based band Sons of Sonix collaborated during a unique cultural exchange evening on day three, which was a significant highlight. Connecting with young producers, learning from their experiences, and getting a firsthand look at the Ubuntu ideology were all enjoyable, Akin said.

The mentorship initiative, spearheaded by iKECHUKWU (Black PHARAOH) Onuorah, Creative Business Director of SEM/AMS, was a focal point of the session. “Our goal was to equip young African musicians with the skills necessary to succeed both domestically and internationally by fusing their artistic abilities with business acumen,” Onuorah stated.

A few workshop participants have now qualified to attend the Omniverse Africa 2026 music camp in Lagos, Nigeria, thanks to the mentorship, which also acted as a springboard for a larger opportunity. In order to create a cross-continental compilation CD, they will work with colleagues from all over Africa. After that, they will embark on a regional tour.

The British Council provided funding for the RIKE workshop through its #UKKenyaSeason2025 grant, with additional assistance from the African Music Summit (AMS), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Strictly Entertainment Music (SEM). A major turning point in RIKE’s mission—which is based on empowerment, teamwork, and the appreciation of Kenya’s musical prowess on the international scene—was reached with this event. 

Concerning Rickety

The goal of the Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE), the official trade organization for the recorded music sector in Kenya, is to make sure that sound recording owners and producers are prepared to prosper in a fast changing local and international music market. RIKE, which was registered as a non-profit organization in 2022 in accordance with Kenyan law, is committed to advancing the interests of sound recording producers, including record labels and independent musicians. RIKE is an industry-wide voice that works to promote, uplift, and assist the producers who drive Kenya’s recorded music landscape. For additional details, please go to www.rike.or.ke.

CONCERNING THE BRITISH COUNCIL:

The British Council is the country’s international agency for educational opportunities and cultural exchanges. We promote peace and prosperity by fostering relationships, mutual respect, and trust between citizens of the UK and other nations. Our efforts in English language instruction, education, and the arts and culture help us achieve this. Over 100 countries have us on the ground, and we collaborate with people in more than 200 countries and territories. 600 million people were attained in 2022–2023.