Tanzania: BASATA sermons Diamond and Rich Mavoko

Though details of the rift remain sketchy, reports of Rich Mavoko’s dissatisfaction with his label have been festering all over the internet. Both parties have been cryptic in their communication talking in generalieities. Two weeks ago Rich Mavoko had a meeting with BASATA, allegedly to complain about the terms of his contract. After the meeting he said on his instragram.

'I have learnt a lot, but the most importantly stay close to your parents because there are many challenges. Guardians can only know what we going through if they are close. Today, you've taught me the meaning of the saying,'Your mum is your mum even if she is crippled. No matter what happens you will always be the custodians of Tanzanian entertainment. I just want to say thank you BASATA''

Speaking to journalist BASATA CEO Godfrey Mngereza on Tuesday, August 14 revealed the government body was in the process of holding round table meeting. Mngereza announced that Diamond and Rich Mavoko’s team would soon be summoned to lay all the issues on the table and possibly find a lasting solution.

“We have spoken to Wasafi and the label has no issue with Rich Mavoko. The organization will table a meeting between the two because there seems to be no real conflict between them,” he said in a statement to newsrooms.

The two protagonist where yesterday seen entering the BASATA premises and leaving there after. Though journalist pressed them for answers, none divulged details of the meeting, deflecting all questions to BASATA officials. When pushed for answers’ after the meeting, Mngereza revealed that it was an internal matter which was dealt with internally.

“Artistes consider this as their home and so as BASATA, we have sat down with our artistes and sorted everything out. We urge our artistes to continue building more labels and working with together. There is however a need to consult with lawyers when getting into some of these contracts. Let’s also not pay too much attention to rumors and innuendos on social media.” Mngereza said.

Squabbles between artistes and labels are common place in the showbiz industry. Perhaps the choice not to air their dirty linen in public is a sign of sobriety on both parties. In the end fans just want good music, and in cases such as this, many look to BASATA to bring temperance and sanity to the industry.