KENYA : Nominated Senator Crystal Asige moves to Court suing Sauti Sol Generation, accusing the music label of exploiting her disability to promote their brand hence violating her intellectual property rights.
According to the nominated Senator, the allegations centers on several of her contributions to hit songs, including “Extravaganza” and “1919 to Forever,” as well as the handling of her royalties.
The senator told court that her lyrics and melody were used in “Extravaganza,” a track from Sauti Sol’s Midnight Train album, without her consent which is against the Law.
In the hit song, she was credited as a co-writer, but she claims no formal negotiations took place, nor did she receive any payment for her work.
Senator Asige detailed how she composed the third line of the song during a recording session at Snow-Ball Studio in Nyari Estate, Nairobi.
She highlighted her contribution in another song, “1919 to Forever,” recorded as part of a birthday celebration project.
It is her allegations that the track was released on Sol Generation platforms without her knowledge of the agreement.
She told Court that she learned later that a KSh 5 million deal had been struck on her behalf, yet she received no single coin.
Additionally, Asige claims her solo song “Lenga,” which gained traction on social media, was shared on Sol Generation’s platforms without proper compensation.
While she acknowledged that the label offered her development training in exchange for her copyrights, she described the agreement as ambiguous and not reflective of standard contract norms.
Asige further accused the label of using her disability as a marketing strategy to solicit funds. She presented her disability certificate in court as evidence and stated that her efforts to pursue her rights were dismissed.
Upon her dismissal, she was allegedly told that she was the “weakest singer” in the team and that the company was too broke to pay her royalties.
Crystal Asige's life was forever changed at 15 when glaucoma stole her sight. But she refused to let darkness define her. Instead, she found solace in music, harnessing her powerful voice to shatter societal norms.
Born in Mombasa, Kenya, Crystal's passion for music and theater was nurtured by her mother. After losing her sight, she discovered a newfound strength in her voice. With unwavering determination, Crystal pursued music, joining Sol Generation and collaborating with renowned artists like Sauti Sol.
Glaucoma couldn't silence Crystal's spirit. She used her platform to advocate for disability rights, challenging Kenya's policies and promoting accessibility. Her music became a beacon of hope, inspiring others to defy limitations.
Crystal's hits like "Extravaganza" and "Lenga" showcased her talent, but her true impact lies in her advocacy. She worked tirelessly with organizations to create inclusive spaces, ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Through struggles with depression and self-acceptance, Crystal emerged stronger. Her mental health journey taught her resilience and the importance of prioritizing well-being.
Today, Crystal Asige is a nominated senator, leveraging her influence to champion disability rights and empower others. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the unbreakable human spirit.
