A group and Nairobi based music producer were in 2012 summoned to the High Court in Nairobi to show cause why action could not be taken against them for contravening the Copyright Act.
Kimangu Boys Band and Matunda Productions were enjoined in a civil suit by musician John Sitora, who accused them of stealing his music copyright.
Kimangu, founded by Musyoki Kikumbi, who died in a road accident years back, was being sued through his widow, Marietta Musyoki, on behalf of his estate.
Sitora, who produced several hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s mainly in Kisii vernacular, argued in the suit that the defendants unlawfully adapted his songs both in rhythm and beat to the Kikamba language.
Some of the songs that Sitora listed as having been illegally produced and released for sale by the defendant included "Christopher Monyoncho" and "John Ochako", which he said were produced under the label Kimangu 12 and 14.
He also listed "Gatarina Omosani", which he said the defendants released under the title "Marietta Kimangu" 15 and "Abamura Bagotuguta Enibo" released as "Kijana Musa" under a new label, Kimangu 23.
Sitora, who then worked as a watchman in Thika, also said they had continued to benefit financially from the reproduction, selling, distributing and publication of his musical rights. The case was heard by Justice Tom Mbaluto.
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