The Kenyan Department of Justice has aired its displeasure after a video on YouTube featuring the country's national anthem was hit by a copyright complaint. However, given the place of National Anthem in any country and the provisions of the National Flags, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99 laws of Kenya) there is additional protection of the anthem against misuse and improper use,” the statement reads. [IMAGE/ COURTESY] A section of the Members of Parliament are in shock after identifying a Ksh400 million Presidential Kitty which they claim the state has been operating secretly. The anthem is often played during all international sports competitions both locally and internationally. YouTube Drama. The case of derivative must, therefore, fail on the above grounds as well," the board stated. But is it Worth It? The claimant of the copyright to Kenya’s anthem was De Wofle Music, a UK based music company. by Merxcine Cush February 5, 2019, 2:43 PM. READ : HOW FACEBOOK INFLUENCED KENYANS LIVES. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. pic.twitter.com/EUJPEdgeg5, — Kenya Copyright Board (@KenyaCopyright) February 5, 2019, An Editorial in The Star also made the assertion “De Wolfe’s claim will not carry weight in international courts of law. Copyright claims on Kenya National Anthem by Dewolfe Music and others are invalid. While politicians in the country had long built followings based on tribal arithmetic, Sonko did it differently. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. According to the content creator, the National anthem that they used was different from what De wolfe had copyrighted which was basically an instrumental of the National anthem. If any track or video embedded on this platform violates any copyrights please inform us immediately and we will take it down. An online user had composed a work and attempted to post it on video site YouTube, upon which his video was stuck out for copyright infringement. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Email your news TIPS to news@kahawatungu.com  or WhatsApp +254708677607. The Kenyan National anthem has been copyrighted by an international company called De Wolfe.2nacheki, one of the biggest African channels on YouTube, reported that one of … “The national anthem is over 50 years and has thus fallen into public domain," the statement reads. The reason given was that the Kenyan national anthem was copyrighted by De Wolfe Music. 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British company De Wolfe Music has claimed the copyright of the Kenya National Anthem on YouTube (see P8). He is passionate about news, religion and sports. However, given the place of National Anthem in any country and the provisions of the National Flags, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99 laws of Kenya) there is additional protection of the anthem against misuse and improper use,” the statement reads. The Kenyan National Anthem is copyrighted by British music production company, De Wolfe Limited on YouTube. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And although De Wolfe Music Company, the company at the heart of the storm, came out to clear the air insisting that it didn’t have the rights to Kenya’s national anthem and had only posted the sound recording of the anthem on Youtube, the event has brought to light a litany of patent disputes pitting Africans against multinationals and individuals. According to the music firm, what they posted on their YouTube channel is just a sound recording of the anthem. We are working to remedy this situation. Kenya British firm State symbols De Wolfe Music National Anthem Owns. It sounds as if De Wolfe ambushed Kenya and ‘stole’ its national anthem from underneath its nose . This is When Major Opportunities Present Themselves, How to protect your intellectual property from predators - Business Today Kenya, How to protect your intellectual property from predators - Kenyan Digest, Inside Piracy Ring Tapping Top Football TV Channels - Trade Bell Kenya, After Listing, Homeboyz Readies Video Streaming Service, Bamburi Scales Up Green Construction With ‘Houses of Tomorrow’, End of Sonkoism? Your email address will not be published. What it essentially meant was that De Wolfe owned the copyright to the national anthem of Kenya. With a British firm’s failed attempt to register the kikoy also serving as a reminder, the national anthem copyright saga places special focus on the awareness of intellectual property rights. However, the copyright body said that tighter laws need to be instituted in the Copyright Act so as to better safeguard the rights to the country’s anthem. In response, KECOBO held that the claims on Kenya National Anthem by Dewolfe Music and others were invalid. De Wolfe Music Company claimed it held the copyright on Kenya’s national anthem, meaning the money 2nacheki earned on his video would go to De Wolfe. De Wolfe's claim will not carry weight in international courts of law. De Wolfe has on its page published an orchestral arrangement of Kenya’s national anthem that it states was created in 1990. The question that must be asked however, whether there is need for laws governing such ‘obvious’ origins of intellectual property, such as national anthems, kiondos and kikoys. In a statement on February 5, KECOBO said according to copyright laws in Kenya, the claims fell short of the standard. This may mean that the anthem is now free, although other laws governing national symbols continue to govern it. It sounds as if De Wolfe ambushed Kenya and ‘stole’ its national anthem from underneath its nose. Reports, originating from social media and that found themselves into the mainstream media space, alleged that the nation’s patriotic song had been copyrighted by the British firm De Wolfe Music. By listing, Homeboyz is hoping to grow into one of the continent’s media and entertainment giants. De Wofle Music Company has come out to clear the air on the allegations, denying any copyright ownership of the national anthem. According to the you tube content creator under the 2nacheki Chanel,  their video was not monetized but the fact that it was flagged meant that De Wolfe owned the rights to the Kenyan National anthem. "The alleged claim for copyright by this company or any other to the original rendition of the National Anthem can't, therefore, be supported. The claimant of the copyright to Kenya's anthem was De Wofle Music, a UK based music company. In a statement on Tuesday, the board said, Required fields are marked *. UK-based De Wolfe Music is claiming to be the owner of the track, which is actually in the public domain. Kenya's national anthem is played during national holidays and during other important or historical events. Do you know of a sensitive story you would like us to get our hands on? Despite this, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) was quick to respond on the copyright claims, stating that the claims by De Wolfe (and others) over the national anthem were invalid. Kenya’s national anthem composed in 1963 has since acquired a global status and is now akin to being the world’s national anthem thanks to Kenya’s legendary athletes who with every international competition keep lifting the Kenyan flag higher and higher. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can: Scroll to a Playing Track - when active, the results will automatically scroll to show the track that is playing.. Night Mode - This activates a dark theme.. Classic Pagination - This changes the infinite scroll to classic pagination within search results.. Scroll to playing track Night mode Classic Pagination De Wolfe Music has also claimed that it owns the instrumental composition of the national anthem. a British firm’s failed attempt to register the kikoy also serving as a reminder, the national anthem copyright saga places special focus on the awareness of intellectual property rights. It has recently come to light that international company De Wolfe Music allegedly copyrighted parts of the Kenya national anthem. A Kenyan content creator has complained to you tube after his video ranking the best African National anthems was flagged . Daddy Owen’s Wife Farida Allegedly Leaves Him For Rich Tycoon, KFCB Boss Ezekiel Mutua Takes On Comedian Eric Omondi Over Brothel-like Studios in Lavington, Elsa Majimbo Speaks On Trolls, Parents Demanding She Stops Sharing Content On Social Media, Sauti Sol’s “Sol Saturday” Concert Cancelled Over Spike in COVID-19 Infections. The Kenya copyright board has little information on who has the rights to the National anthem. As is commonplace among the Kenyan social media fraternity, this caused ire as many sought to understand just why this esteemed piece of Kenyan art, originated by its citizens and performed at the nation’s most historic moments, was left loose by the government. Another company, Ad Rev has claimed the National Anthem on behalf of DeWolfe Music. He can be reached at: [email protected], Your email address will not be published. Their sites also has orchestral arrangements of other National anthems. None is directly linked to the Kenya copyright board. The Kenyan National anthem has not been copyrighted by British music company, De Wolfe. A complication arising though concerns the fact that the discovery of what is now a copyright saga came from a YouTube interaction, where Kenya’s national anthem was flagged in a video after a copyright claim from De Wolfe. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Business Today  is a blog that makes sure you are informed when it comes to business, brings you up to speed with both the local and international news. De Wolfe music company copyrighted the sound of the Kenyan anthem … National anthems are in the public domain all over the world and people can use or play the tune so long as they do not parody it.”, “Special performances or arrangements of the national anthem may be copyrighted but there cannot be a general copyright of a national anthem.”. It certainly does not help that the country has in the past been faced with similar standpoints, a key moment being Kenyans feeling robbed when they learnt that the traditional kiondo baskets are patented in Japan. Disclaimer: Music In Africa provides a platform for musicians and contributors to embed music and videos solely for promotional purposes. The reason given was that the Kenyan National anthem was copyrighted by British company De Wolfe Music. by Vanessa Murrey December 31, 2020, 1:26 PM, by Mercy Auma December 28, 2020, 10:44 AM, by Kahawa Tungu December 26, 2020, 7:45 PM, by Eva Nyambura December 23, 2020, 3:12 PM, by Eva Nyambura December 23, 2020, 9:36 AM, by Mercy Auma December 19, 2020, 10:25 AM. “The international company has rights of the National Anthem and is making money out of it,” the videographer noted. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Those with imaginative minds may even conjure up images of the UK firm acting as a [De] Wolfe in sheep’s skin so as to achieve this. Those with imaginative minds may even conjure up images of the UK firm acting as a [De] Wolfe in sheep’s skin so as to achieve this. Deputy President William Ruto With President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past function. The words of the National anthem in both the National and the official language are in the second schedule of the constitution. The projects seek to achieve very low embodied CO2 footprint buildings using low carbon cement-based materials and locally available resources. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. That was certainly the case in as far as kiondos are concerned. But the government of Kenya could do it and hopefully completely destroy this company and help set standards for future fake strike claims. As a body within a position to influence policy, KECOBO should be first in steering this process. The constitution of Kenya under article 9 prescribes the National anthem as a National symbol. The new appointee is the current Non-Executive Chairman of Distell International Holdings Ltd and is a Non-Executive Director of Bayport Management Limited. This revelation was made after a Kenyan YouTuber received a copyright warning from YouTube after he used the Kenyan anthem in one of his video. Read: Google On The Spot For Racism After Editing Out Bare-Chested Zulu Girls. The reason given was that the Kenyan National anthem was copyrighted by British company De Wolfe Music. De Wolfe that is said to have the copyright to the Kenyan anthem is a music library company in Britain that was established in 1909. In February 2019, a story broke that the Kenyan national anthem had been copyrighted by a British company – De Wolfe Music. “KECOBO is at the moment studying the terms and conditions in YouTube platform with a view to requesting for take down of all content offending the National Anthem by the said company and others,” the copyright body said. READ : CEO DIES, SH14 BILLION OF INVESTOR MONEY STUCK. Previous article. KECOBO made it clear that the copyright protection of the national anthem lasts for 50 years before transferring to the public domain. It is this sort of reasoning that seems to govern De Wolfe, or whoever else lays claim to the Kenyan national anthem. CEO DIES, SH14 BILLION OF INVESTOR MONEY STUCK, JUMIA WANTS TO BREAK SPEED DATING WORLD RECORD, Ethical Citizens Will Change Kenya Not The Constitution, Investors Hope New Year Will Lift NSE Stocks, Uhuru Bank Announces Exit of Boardroom Veterans, Report: These are the Biggest SME Financiers in Kenya. According to Intellectual Property blogger Victor Nzomo writing in 2011, the kiondo case revolved around expired product patent, a loophole which Japan ceased upon. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! A British Company by the name “De Wolfe Music” has claimed ownership and copyrighted the Kenyan national anthem. The measure will lapse on December 31, 2020. The Kenyan Department of Justice has aired its displeasure after a video on YouTube featuring the country’s national anthem was hit by a copyright complaint. A quick search through You tube shows that the National anthem of Kenya has been licensed to you tube by various agencies. The Kenya national anthem has had a fettered history and yesterday, Kenya’s chorus of independence found itself mired in controversy. Kenya national anthem in IP tussle. Teachers Get Their Own Bank. 469. The content creator – who runs the ‘2nacheki’ channel – claimed he was informed that AdRev Publishing had registered the complaint on behalf of De Wolfe Music, a British company which, as it emerges, owns the rights to the Kenyan National Anthem. Mobile money transfers of amounts of Ksh1,000 and below have been free since March when the measures were announced. This is where you can change preferences for the site. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The owner of ‘2nacheki’ YouTube channel says he was informed that AdRev Publishing had filed a complaint on behalf of De Wolfe Music, a British company that allegedly owns the rights to … Close. Share this story. Forgotten password? The video ranked the best national anthems in Africa. “The National Anthem is over 50 years and has thus fallen into public domain. De Wolfe Music, a British production company hit the headlines this week over claims that it has acquired exclusive rights to the Kenyan national anthem, the allegations were quickly dismissed by KECOBO Executive Director Edward Sigei who explicitly underscored that the foreign company has only acquired rights to a rendition of the national anthem. This has happened at a time that the Kenya national anthem which has had a fettered history of independence found itself mired in controversy following reports of the nation’s patriotic song allegedly copyrighted by the British firm De Wolfe Music. KECOBO said that although copyrights usually expire after 50 years, the national anthem has additional protection. Six-star Sharks: Confederations Cup. “An international company has copyrighted the Kenyan national anthem and they are earning from it and evening running adverts from it, but a Kenyan Youtuber cannot make money from it,” 2nacheki said. Mike Mbuvi Comes Crashing Down After Meteoric Rise, Ksh100 Bob Free M-Pesa Transfers in 2021 as CBK Revises Measures, Meet the Newest Face Appointed to Equity’s Board. These cookies do not store any personal information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. He was informed that AdRev Publishing had registered the complaint on behalf of De Wolfe Music, a British music company. On further investigations, he found out that the British company had claimed […] “The National Anthem is over 50 years and has thus fallen into public domain. It brings in the muddy waters exemplified by the digital age, where control of copyright is far more difficult than it used to be. 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you can change preferences for the site DIES SH14... It down your eyes at day time 2019, 2:43 PM with your consent first in steering process. Created in 1990 to Kenya ’ s anthem was De Wofle Music, a company. Projects seek to achieve very low embodied CO2 footprint buildings using low carbon materials. Another company, De Wolfe Music allegedly copyrighted parts of the national and the official are. Must, therefore, fail on the Spot for Racism after Editing out Bare-Chested Zulu Girls above as. The claims fell short of the track, which is actually in public! 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