Popular Genge artist Mejja is celebrating the reinstatement of his hit track Tabia Za Wakenya on YouTube, four years after it was taken down due to a copyright dispute. The song, which had gained immense popularity with over 2.2 million views, was removed in 2021 following accusations from an upcoming artist, Kevin Ochieng.
The Copyright Dispute
Kevin Ochieng, a young artist from Mathare, accused Mejja of sampling his song without permission. According to Kevin, he had recorded the track with his producer only to find a similar version uploaded on Mejja’s platforms. He further alleged that Mejja had collaborated with producers to steal his creative work.
In light of these claims, YouTube flagged Tabia Za Wakenya for copyright infringement and removed it from the platform. The move sparked heated discussions among fans and industry stakeholders about intellectual property rights and the challenges faced by upcoming artists.
Mejja’s Defense
Mejja, widely regarded as a Genge music pioneer, vehemently denied the accusations. He took to his social media platforms to defend his work, sharing snippets of Tabia Za Wakenya and comparing it to Kevin’s song to highlight the lack of similarity.
“Hate on another level. I am the same person helping new artists. If this is meant to slow me down, I will not stop releasing music till I die,” Mejja stated at the time.
The artist expressed frustration over what he described as “hateful allegations” and reassured his fans that his creativity and dedication to music remained unshaken.
Resolution and Song Restoration
After years of legal and procedural back-and-forth, the copyright dispute was resolved in Mejja’s favor, paving the way for Tabia Za Wakenya to return to YouTube. While the exact details of the resolution remain undisclosed, Mejja’s fans were thrilled to see the song reinstated on the platform.
The track, known for its humorous portrayal of Kenyan habits, remains a fan favorite and a testament to Mejja’s knack for storytelling. Its restoration has reignited excitement among his supporters, many of whom regard it as one of his best works.
Mejja’s Influence in Genge Music
Mejja, also known as Okwonko, has built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most consistent and creative artists. As a pioneer of Genge music, a genre that fuses Kiswahili and Sheng with relatable themes, he has released a string of hits that resonate with audiences across East Africa.
Over the years, Mejja has collaborated with various artists, helping to uplift the Genge genre while supporting emerging talent in the industry. Despite facing challenges, including the temporary removal of Tabia Za Wakenya, Mejja has remained steadfast in his commitment to producing music that reflects Kenyan culture and experiences.
The restoration of Tabia Za Wakenya on YouTube marks a significant victory for Mejja, reinforcing his standing as one of Kenya’s most influential artists. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry while highlighting Mejja’s resilience in the face of adversity.
As fans continue to enjoy his music, Mejja’s journey remains an inspiration to both upcoming and established artists, proving that talent and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.
