Govt pledges free studio in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Paul Makonda announced the plan last week. He said the region had set aside funds to build a recording studio that would cater for local film and bongo flava artists.

“We will have a huge studio called Dar es Salaam Music Hub (DSM), where artists without financial resources will have a chance to record their work for free. Everyone has to have an equal chance to better their living,” Makonda said.

Although budget details were not released, Makonda said his office was determined to reduce unemployment among young people by helping them develop their talents.

Rapper Nash Emcee told Music In Africa that former Tanzanian president Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete had announced plans for a similar project. However, this never materialised because it had not been made clear who was responsible to develop the project.

“As a personal initiative I have been holding talent shows in various places where I discovered that there are so many young talents that need to be nurtured,” Nash Mcee said. “So I believe that Makonda will be able to see this project through given his past record and also because he has over time showed support for the music industry.”

There are concerns that the studio project could be employed as a propaganda tool by President John Magufuli's government, which recently censored 13 local songs.

But Nash Mcee says Makonde’s track record bodes well for the credibility of the studio project.

“I believe he will be able to get funds and make this project a reality, which will be a boost for young talents,” Nash Mcee said, adding that Makonde has strong connections with foreign officials in Tanzania, who could provide assistance to the project.

Meanwhile, Makonda issued a warning against those who were preventing artists from taking pictures and shooting their videos in public spaces.

“Stop refusing bongo movies actors and musicians who need to record and take photographs at various areas in the centre,” Makonda said.