RELEASED:The Legality of Censorship in the Arts and Its Impacts in Tanzania
- TARO
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Published by: Tanzania Artists Rights Organization (TARO)
Date: July 2025
Introduction
Censorship in the arts is a pressing issue in Tanzania, where creative expression is often suppressed under the guise of protecting public morals, national security, or cultural values. The Tanzania Artists Rights Organization (TARO) has released a comprehensive legal position paper examining the legality of censorship in Tanzania’s arts sector, its far-reaching impacts, and strategic recommendations to mitigate its negative effects.
This document explores the legal framework governing censorship, the institutions enforcing it, and the consequences for artists, the economy, and Tanzanian society. It also proposes actionable solutions to promote artistic freedom while balancing state interests.
Key Findings
The Legal Framework of Censorship in Tanzania
Tanzania’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but this right is limited by laws such as :-
-The National Arts Act (1984):Empowers the National Arts Council (BASATA) to regulate and penalize artists.
- Films and Stage Plays Act (1976):Grants the Tanzania Film Board (TFB) authority to censor films and stage plays.
- Cybercrimes Act (2015):Used to prosecute artists for the offence known as Publication of False information
- Media Services Act (2016):Imposes strict content regulations, leading to self-censorship in media platforms.
Despite Tanzania being a signatory to international human rights treaties (e.g., ICCPR, African Charter), domestic laws often violate these commitments by imposing disproportionate restrictions on artistic freedom.
Regulatory Bodies Enforcing Censorship
-National Arts Council (BASATA):Registers artists, monitors content, and imposes penalties for "indecent" or "critical" works.
-Tanzania Film Board (TFB):Mandates pre-approval of films and can ban or alter content deemed controversial.
-Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA): Monitors broadcast and online content, suspending licenses for non-compliance.
-Police under the Cybercrimes Act: Arrests artists for "defamatory" or "false" digital content.
Reasons Behind Censorship
-Political Reasons:Critical art is suppressed to silence dissent. Example: Arrest of musician Ney Wa Mitego for political critical contents.
-Ethics and Customs:Content challenging societal norms (e.g.religion) is banned. Example: TCRA’s suspension of Diamond Platinumz’s song "Mtasubiri" for a church scene.
Impacts of Censorship
-Economic: Artists face financial losses due to banned works (e.g., Bando Mc’s banned music video). Investors avoid funding controversial projects.
-Political:Suppression of dissent weakens democracy. Example: Gospel singer Sita Bujune arrested for a song questioning governance.
-Social Limits public discourse on critical issues like corruption and human rights.
-Cultural:Stifles innovation and dilutes Tanzania’s cultural identity. Example: Double standards in censoring local vs. foreign content.
Strategic Recommendation
-To reduce censorship while safeguarding public interests, TARO proposes:
(a) Legal Reforms: Amend restrictive laws to align with constitutional and international human rights standards.
(b)Institutional Reforms: Transform regulatory bodies (e.g., BASATA, TFB) into facilitators rather than censors.
(c) Capacity Building:Empower artists and civil society to advocate for their rights.
(d)Advocacy and Policy Dialogue: Engage stakeholders in mediated discussions to define fair content regulations.
Conclusion
Censorship in Tanzania’s arts sector undermines creativity, economic growth, and democratic values. While regulation is necessary, it must respect artistic freedom and human rights. TARO’s paper calls for urgent reforms to foster a vibrant, inclusive arts industry that contributes to Tanzania’s cultural and economic development.
Download the Full Report: [Link to PDF]
