Tanzanian govt denies blacklisting political song

In an interview with Bongo5.com on Wednesday, BASATA executive secretary Godfrey Mngereza said the information being spread on social media accusing the arts council of placing a ban on the song had been falsified by the rappers to create controversy.

“We have not issued a ban on their song," he said. "In fact, we have no idea about the song because the two are yet to surrender the song’s lyrics and audio for vetting before release, as it is required by law. So perhaps, they are telling these lies so that their song can be popular. And if Roma insists that we have placed a ban on his song then we urge him to show us proof."

Mngereza said BASATA had held an open forum for music industry stakeholders on Monday to shed more light on the recently revised registration regulations. Mkatoliki and Stamina were among the musicians who attended the forum.

Mngereza said that during the discussion a journalist had asked whether it was wrong to use images of deceased public figures as cover art. The BASATA secretary replied that artists should seek permission from the government or the family of the deceased.

“Perhaps my response could be what led Roma into assuming that his song had been blacklisted, because he has used the pictures of Tanzanian politicians Julius Nyerere and Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru as art for ‘Parapanda’. But I can assure you that no one has either summoned or interrogated them about the song and if anything changes we shall issue an official statement."

But a tweet posted in Swahli by Mkatoliki on Monday seems to suggest otherwise. “BASATA you are killing art, creativity and talent," the translation into English reads. "I don’t hate the industry I hate the system. My fellow Tanzanians, how offensive is the song ‘Parapanda’?” he said.

The song in question is a conversation between the late Nyerere and Ngombale-Mwiru, who died on 2 February. The two politicians are highly respected by most Tanzanians.

In the song, Nyerere, who is played by Mkatoliki, welcomes Ngombale (Stamina) to the land of the dead and asks how the country is faring. Ngombale-Mwiru responds by saying that the socio-political situation in the country has become worse since his departure.

“I have listened to the song and the musicians are addressing issues affecting us under the government of John Pombe Magufuli. Their confidence takes me back to the times of Bob Marley and Lucky Dube,” Tanzanian political analyst Suphian Juma wrote.

Activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai wrote: “Latest hit by Roma Mkatoliki is trending on YouTube called Parapanda. One day we shall organise for a festival and play such songs as long as they are not banned.”

Meanwhile, BASATA yesterday permitted Tanzanian singer Rich Mavoko to terminate his two-year contract with Wasafi Records.

Mngereza told Bongo5.com that the singer had launched a formal complaint with BASATA against the Diamond Platnumz-owned label.

“Mavoko has visited us today,” Mngereza said.” He has brought a contract he had signed with Wasafi, which he claims was unfair and did not benefit him as an artist. The first thing we did was sign him up to BASATA because has was not a member and we gave him a one-year licence to do his music. We will then present the contract to a special committee that was formed by Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Harrison Mwakyembe for review.”

Mngereza said the management at Wasafi Records would be summoned as soon as the review was complete. He also advised artists to seek legal counsel before signing contracts.