Tanzania initiates comprehensive plan for artistes

Dar es Salaam. In a bid to revolutionize the cultural and arts sector, Tanzania will implement reforms aimed at commercializing operations, creating extensive employment opportunities, generating foreign exchange revenue and bolstering the nation's income.

Requesting the Parliament to endorse total of Sh285.3 billion for his ministry for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, said the ambitious objectives include fostering a commercial environment within the cultural and arts sector and facilitating significant job creation.

The ministry also seeks to enhance foreign exchange earnings and establish the sector as a leading contributor to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Central to the efforts, Dr Ndumbaro said, was a program devised by the fund to formalize cultural and artistic endeavours nationwide, with a particular focus on nurturing young and emerging talents.

"First, artists will receive training on various topics to help them run their art as a business. Those that qualify in the first stage will be connected with institutions, art stakeholders for practical exercises.

"Third, artists who qualify in the second phase will be connected with successful artists in the relevant areas for nurturing and learning various business techniques, and finally, they will be connected to various economic opportunities, including obtaining loans through the Culture and Arts Fund," said Ndumbaro.

An upcoming Bongoflava artiste Zulfa Mohamed Ibrahim, known as 'Xoul,' emphasized the significance of the initiative in curbing the exploitation of emerging artistes.

"The government's responsiveness to our plight is evident. Lack of digital literacy often exposes emerging artists to exploitation and denial of their fundamental rights. This program will not only educate artists but also deter exploiters," she remarked.

Conversely, musician Abubakar Maulid, alias Buki, commended the government's recognition of emerging artistes. 

"Recognizing and supporting emerging artists is crucial as they are the future torchbearers of the industry," he expressed.

Echoing similar sentiments, Peter Jovan, also known as P Voice, highlighted the program's potential to foster unity and elevate Tanzanian art globally. 

"This initiative will foster love and unity among artists, thereby propelling Tanzanian art to greater heights on the international stage. Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of works that yield positive outcomes for artists and enhance the country's global recognition," he concluded.

Established in December 2022, the Fund has until April 2024, facilitated the disbursement of loans totalling Sh4.2 billion for 216 projects in the Culture and Arts sector across 16 regions of mainland.