AI set to transform Tanzania's artistic industry

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s art industry is poised for a significant transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a move expected to enhance creativity, increase value addition, and protect artistic works.

This shift follows a consultative meeting between the National Arts Council (BASATA) and the African Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (ARIFA) to explore the impact of AI on the creative sector.

The meeting, held at BASATA’s offices in Dar es Salaam, marks the beginning of a crucial journey in incorporating AI into Tanzania’s artistic landscape.

Speaking to The Citizen on March 29, BASATA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Kedmon Mapana, encouraged artists to embrace AI technology rather than fear it.

“As a council, we fully understand both the benefits and challenges that AI presents. However, stakeholders—especially artists—must learn and adapt to this new reality. Running away from it is not a solution,” he said.

Dr Mapana acknowledged concerns that AI could replace human jobs but emphasised that the technology should be viewed as an enabler, not a threat.

“For instance, if an artist typically takes a week to compose a song, AI can help speed up the process. An individual who spends days writing lyrics can now generate multiple lyrics instantly with AI,” he explained.

Beyond songwriting, AI is also expected to revolutionize music production, assisting artists in creating melodies and beats.

“There are times when an artist has lyrics but lacks a melody. AI can help by generating melodies and beats, streamlining the creative process,” Dr. Mapana added.

To facilitate the adoption of AI, BASATA has invited leaders from major music associations in Tanzania to participate in AI literacy programs.

“Our goal is to raise awareness among artists that this technology exists and that they can generate income through AI-driven innovations,” Dr. Mapana said.

AI is also expected to streamline data collection within the industry, allowing BASATA to monitor entertainment events across the country more efficiently.

BASATA and ARIFA plan to collaborate closely to ensure that AI benefits all stakeholders in the creative sector. One of their primary focuses will be enhancing the management of artists’ works, safeguarding copyrights, and analyzing market trends using AI-powered tools.

According to BASATA, ARIFA will provide valuable insights on how AI can foster efficiency and innovation in artistic productions while protecting intellectual property rights.

Some artists have already expressed optimism about AI’s potential to revolutionize their work. Mussa Mabumo, known by his stage name Bando Mc, believes AI will be a game-changer in music composition.

“If implemented correctly, AI will assist in creating melodies, generating new artistic ideas, and improving the overall quality of creative work,” he said.

Bando Mc also highlighted that AI could be used to analyse fan behavior, helping artists understand their audiences better.

Renowned video director Derogations Abel emphasized that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.

“AI cannot do everything for you, but it can make your work easier and faster. For example, preparing a script takes time, but AI-powered tools can generate a script in a much shorter period,” he explained.

Several AI tools are already simplifying various aspects of production, making creative processes more efficient.

As AI continues to gain traction globally, its impact on Tanzania’s art industry cannot be ignored. With the right framework and training, local artists stand to benefit significantly from AI-driven innovations, unlocking new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and international competitiveness.