The Commercial Court of Nyarugenge has today ordered ORINFOR, the state broadcaster, and Isango Star Radio (private) to pay Rwf8.6 million to Rwandan music icon Cécile Kayirebwa for playing her songs illegally.
Prominent Rwandan artist Cécile Kayirebwa had dragged six media houses including the state broadcaster (ORINFOR), Radio Flash, Contact FM, Radio Isango Star,City Radio, Radio Voice of Africa.
Her lawyer, Kizitio Safari had said that his client undergone financial loss because the accused media houses have been using Kayirebwa’s music without her permission—she also claims there have been no sales of her music because it was being broadcast freely.
The artist had demanded compensation from ORINFOR a whooping Frw 90 Million and Frw30 from each of other media outlets accused—this brings the total claim of approximately Frw270 Million.
However, the Commercial court had said it’s not in its competence to handle the case but will 2nd October pronounce itself on the case.