Sugu blows his way in Basata on artist fees – News

Dar es Salaam Joseph & # 39; Sugu & # 39; Mbilinyi, legislator of the rap and opposition legend, criticized the National Arts Council (Basata) for its decision to impose new rights on those seeking to hire local artists, calling the move "arbitrary" and "unscrupulous".

A recent edition of Basata imposes initial payments of 5 million shillings per artist to the body by marketing companies or individuals who want to hire Tanzanian artists.

The orders, which appear in the official regulations of 9 February under Chapter 204 of the National Arts Council Act, have been attacked by various circles on the Tanzanian scene.

Various Basata fees for musicians, marketing companies, advertising agencies and mobile network operators who want to use local artists for branding and marketing work.

Foreign artists, with the exception of those from East Africa, are also required to pay 1.5 million shillings to the Council to perform in Tanzania under this news rules.

Basata's executive secretary, Godfrey Mngereza, argued that the new tariff structure aims to empower local artists. Basata says that they will use the money for projects that enhance the local arts.

Sugu, however, does not see it like that. Legislator Chadema, who is also Minister of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, denounced the lack of involvement of artists as a major concern.

"You have just woken up and made decisions without soliciting stakeholders from the respective industry," he said.

These issues should be discussed, since it is unimaginable to require that someone pay 5 million shillings while the council ignores how much one pays at a representation, according to Sugu.

"Basata exceeded his designated responsibilities – I doubt that those working on this issue are artists or even work in this industry."

Sugu's criticism follows those made earlier by other artists

Bongo flavor Nickson's 'Nikki wa Pili' Simon said the move would have a negative impact on most artists who are already under contract with various companies.

"It will be too expensive for a company to hire a local artist.What worries me is that they will choose foreign artists rather than local talents because they will not have to pay these huge fees, "he said.

The President of the Tanzanian Music Federation, Addo November, echoed the same sentiments, saying the government does not did not consult the artistic actors before formulating the regulations.

Even if the intentions of the government were good, they are entitled to consultations in order to be able to share their contributions.

Nevertheless, certain members of the industry saw 39: a bad eye the new rules of Basata.The legendary producer Paul & # 39; P-Funk & # 39; Matthysse think that the regulation could improve the incomes of artists.

"I think local musicians will now start to reap the fruits of their labor l. Previously, firms signed contracts with local musicians without consulting Basata, sometimes taking advantage of them.

However, Sugu thinks that Basata failed to involve the artists before publishing his new policy. The only way for the Board to determine "what is in the best interest of the industry and its members" is to engage them actively, according to Mr. Mbilinyi.