Tanzanian artist to appear in court for releasing provocative song

“…Peace-loving citizens, now we have exhausted our patience, we have seen the dictator; he/she has entered our grandfather’s house he/she is sleeping on democracy…” the lyrics of the song partly goes.

According to The Citizen media outlet, on 28 September Mwana Cotide and Mussa Sibakwe, who produced the song, appeared before the Resident Magistrate in Dar es Salaam. They denied the charges and were released on bail of Tsh10 million (about $4,568). ‘Dikteta Uchwara’ was published on YouTube on 19 September and has so far received 4,542 views.

Tanzania’s EATV reports on its website that since 1999 Mwana Cotide has been a prominent activist for the opposition party CHADEMA. In the 2015 elections he composed many songs used by the party in various forums, including the general election campaign for president, MPs and councillors. The party is, however, reported to have abandoned the artist after a fallout.