Boy Cylla crowned rising star, but ethics warning rings true
Culture, Arts, and Sports ministry Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa (right), presents the first award to artiste Sailas Mwakabana "Boy Cylla" at the Rising Star Online Competition held recently at the Msasani Tower in Dar es Salaam. The competition was organized by nPOINT Online TV. Left is the CEO of Radian Limited, Friddie Manento
What you need to know:
- Cylla walks away not only with Sh1 million in cash but also a life-changing Sh9 million recording deal at the legendary Bongo Records Studio owned by the competition's head judge, P-Funk Majani.
Dar es Salaam. Young hip-hop artist Sailas Mwakabana, better known as Boy Cylla, has triumphed in the inaugural Rising Star Online Competition, but the victory song was accompanied by a stern warning from the Tanzanian government about upholding artistic ethics.
Mwakabana beat out finalists Christian Job (Iringa) and Yusuph Hussein (Dar es Salaam) in the N-Point-organized competition that saw 86 hopefuls initially vie for the coveted prize. Backed by Radian Ltd., Letshego Faidika Bank, CRDB Bank, and other sponsors, the contest offered a stage for rising stars to shine.
Cylla walks away not only with Sh1 million in cash but also a life-changing Sh9 million recording deal at the legendary Bongo Records Studio owned by the competition's head judge, P-Funk Majani.
"This win is incredibly humbling," shared Cylla, praising his fellow competitors for pushing him to raise his game.
However, the celebratory mood was tempered by a sobering message from Culture, Arts, and Sports ministry Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa. He commended the music industry's rapid growth, contributing 19% to the national economy, but expressed concern about artists jeopardizing this trajectory by violating ethical codes.
"Acts that tarnish musical ethics might win you fan cheers initially," warned Msigwa, "but eventually, a National Arts Council ban can leave you high and dry. Artists, remember: ethics safeguard your future."
He further emphasized the multifaceted nature of music, encompassing business, culture, identity, and even security. "To unlock music's full potential for driving economic growth and job creation," asserted Msigwa, "we must play by the rules and respect all regulations."
Radian Limited CEO Freddie Manento echoed the sentiment of nurturing young talent, announcing the competition's annual return. He also appealed to the National Arts Council to re-evaluate permit fees, facilitating more opportunities for event organizers like N-Point.
Finally, National Arts Council executive secretary Kedmon Mapana applauded the event's contribution to Tanzania's vibrant arts scene, pushing the total number of artistic events in the country to 77.
