Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist Nay Wa Mitego is facing charges from the National Arts Council (Basata) over his song “Nitasema” which critiques President Samia Suluhu’s government.
The Tanzanian authorities have filed four charges against Emmanuel Elibarick, also known as Nay wa Mitego, after the musician and activist released a song that drew attention to the alleged incidents of forced disappearances in the East African country.
The song called for an end to these cases and accountability for those responsible.
A government organisation in Tanzania that regulates all artists has accused the musician of breaking established standards that govern creative works in the nation.
These restrictions include publishing the song without the consent of the National Arts Council (BASATA), which is the government agency that regulates all artists in Tanzania.
Nay wa Mitego expresses his dissatisfaction with the arbitrary disappearances of government opponents and the authorities’ claimed lack of interest in investigating the occurrences in his track Nitasema, which is three minutes and twenty-five seconds long.
“I shall speak” in English. He believes this causes a large number of people to be concerned about their own safety.
The rapper alludes to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s remarks on the matter from September 18, 2024, when he raps, “The one we expect to condemn [these incidents] describes them as drama.”
The Head of State, who expressed his disapproval of the incidents, has ordered an investigation. “Would you have the courage to label these events as a drama if your child had disappeared?”
Within only three days of its publication on September 24, 2024, Nay wa Mitego’s song has risen to the top of the charts on YouTube.
In the song, he directly identifies the Police Force as the primary offenders of abduction, and he questions the logic of allowing them to investigate instances in which they are also the accused. The authorities denied any participation in the activities.
In this article, you will learn about Nay Wa Mitego, an artist who speaks truth to power and fights against the attempts of authorities to “silence” him.
In the song that also features Raydiace, another musician from Bongo Flava, Nay wa Mitego, raps, “Those coming to abduct you come as police. On the other hand, no police station will ever find you.”
“The authorities learn of your death and begin their investigation. The authorities then entrust the police with the duty of apprehending them.”
On the other hand, BASATA uploaded a charge file online. In the charge sheet, Jebra Kambole, Nay wa Mitego’s lawyer, claimed that the government was responsible for kidnapping individuals.
The agency also accused Nay wa Mitego of “misleading the public” when she said that President Samia had failed in her leadership role because she had failed to deliver on megaprojects that she had inherited from her predecessor, John Magufuli.
In addition, BASATA accused the artist of “defaming other countries” by stating that there is violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
The organisation is concerned that this might lead to a diplomatic dispute between Tanzania and its other member states of the East African Community (EAC).
BASATA had summoned Nay Wa Mitego to its headquarters in the city’s central business district.
However, the artist and his lawyer, Mr. Kambole, asserted that no meeting occurred, and they only received the letter containing the allegations.
Only seven days are available for them to answer to each charge; otherwise, they will be subject to legal repercussions, which may include suspension, a fine, or both.
“We will respond appropriately to the allegations that BASATA has brought up,” Mr. Kambole told the media present at the agency’s headquarters.
“However, we are aware that artists in Tanzania have a long way to go before they are able to experience the freedom that comes with their artistic expression,” he said.
Because a company acting as complainant, prosecutor, and judge is illogical.
Mr. Kambole also said musicians shouldn’t submit songs to BASATA for approval before publishing.
He argued that the arrangement pushes artists to self-censor their thoughts, which has a direct impact on their creative works as well as their freedom of expression.
In an interview with the media, Nay wa Mitego said that he is doing what he is doing for his followers as a kind of retribution for the support they have shown him over the years.
According to him, the only way he can effectively serve his fans and the nation in general is by continuing to make music that advocates for justice. He said that he would never stop producing music that advocates for justice.
During a brief press conference, the artist stated, “The fans are the ones who gave me this voice that I have now. The only thing I can do for my fans, fellow oppressed people, and fellow countrymen is to create music,” he said.
“What I am going through right now is a price that I am willing to pay in order to serve my people in a meaningful way, and it will not divert my attention away from my creative responsibilities. Always rest in peace.”
Ever since the release of Nitasema, Nay wa Mitego’s supporters have been organising a fundraising drive in order to demonstrate their affection and support for the recording artist.
Nay wa Mitego reported to the press on Friday afternoon that they had already collected thirteen million shillings. On the internet, the campaign is still going strong.
It is not uncommon for Nay wa Mitego to encounter difficulties with authorities. In the past, allegations of anti-government propaganda have led to the ban on several of his songs.
The authorities have even attempted to restrict his ability to play in different regions of the country.
