Government reports drop in artistes’ disputes

Dodoma. The government has achieved significant success in reducing disputes among musicians in the country, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, told Parliament on Tuesday, May 7, 2025.

Tabling the Sh519.66 billion revenue and expenditure estimates for the docket’s 2025/26 financial year, Prof Kabudi said that the National Arts Council (Basata) has played a key role in protecting artists' rights by convening mediation sessions through its Legal, Ethics, and Arbitration Desk.

“Out of 18 disputes received between July 2024 and April 2025, 15 have been resolved, while the remaining three are at different stages of resolution,” said Kabudi.

He further added, “This trend shows a noticeable decline in interest-based disputes among 70 stakeholders in the creative sector, thanks to the Council’s ongoing initiatives, including providing education and legal advice related to contracts in the arts industry.”

Speaking on the film industry, the Minister added that the Tanzania Film Board has also taken appropriate steps to ensure artists in the sector access their rightful benefits.

“During the reporting period, the Film Board received and addressed three complaints from stakeholders. The presence of this committee has led to a significant drop in complaints, from 12 in the 2023/24 financial year to only three in 2024/25,” he explained.

Between July 2024 and April 2025, the Board issued 154 licenses to facilitate film and theatre-related activities across the country.

“In our continued efforts to officially recognize film and drama artists, the Board has issued 168 identification cards to individuals in this space—formally integrating them into the government’s system,” stated Prof Kabudi.

The Tanzania Film Board was established under the Film and Stage Plays Act and is mandated to oversee, regulate, and develop the film and performing arts industry in Tanzania.

Its responsibilities include classifying and grading content, issuing production permits, and certifying the formal operations of film and drama-related activities.

Additionally, the Board is responsible for coordinating and conducting various capacity-building programs for self-employed and employed stakeholders in the industry.

These include short-term training, film festivals, and awards that aim to strengthen skills and promote professional excellence in Tanzania’s film sector.