A recent report from the Tanzania Artists Rights Organization (TARO) has cast a spotlight on the worrisome state of artistic freedom in Tanzania, shedding light on incidents and challenges faced by artists in 2023.
Titled “Voices Unheard: A Cry for Artistic Freedom,” the report delves into the violations of rights linked to artistic expression, particularly focusing on the right to create without censorship or intimidation.
The document details distressing incidents, including that of traditional musician Dawa Juma, arrested in 2023 for releasing a provocative song addressing the rise in commodity prices. Juma faced prosecution and received a six-year prison sentence under Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act for allegedly misleading the public.
The report not only highlights specific incidents but also delves into broader challenges within the artistic community. The National Arts Act, requiring artists to secure permits and pay fees for artistic activities abroad, is identified as a constraint on artists’ rights to movement and association.
The document further addresses gender-based violence against female artists, widespread copyright infringement in both physical and digital realms, burdensome fees associated with artistic activities, inadequate financial aid to artists, and unequal access to government opportunities within the sector.
Recommendations proposed in the report include public awareness campaigns on artistic freedom, advocacy for law review and reform in the cultural sector, emphasizing the recognition and upholding of Artistic Freedom. It also calls for an increase in budget allocation for grants, promotion of public arts, gender mainstreaming, and inter-sectorial engagement.
Tanzania Artists Rights Organization (TARO) urgently calls for collective action to protect and support artists, ensuring the flourishing of artistic expression in Tanzania. The organization emphasizes the importance of providing legal aid to artists, institutionalizing arts, and offering legal representation to artists facing risks to their artistic expression.
View the summary of the report here
