Tanzania bans 2 Diamond Platnumz songs

Tanzania has banned 13 local songs on grounds that they are against the country’s norms and values.

Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced the ban on Wednesday after receiving a list of the songs from the National Arts Council of Tanzania (Basata).

PALE KATI

“The said records have lyrics which violate ethics of regulations of broadcasting services (Content) 2005,” TCRA said in a statement to media.

Among those prohibited are Hallelujah and Waka Waka by Tanzanian pop star Diamond Platnumz.

Other Bongo songs are Pale Kati Patamu by Ney wa Mitego, Chura and Nimevurugwa by Snura, Hainaga Ushemeji by Manifongo, I’m Sorry JK by Nikki Mbishi, Kibamia by Roma Mkatoliki, Tema Mate Tumchape by Madee, Uzuri Wako by Jux, Nampa Papa by Gigy Money and Nampaga by Barnaba.

RAPE

The ban comes after President John Magufuli last December complained about obscene music videos.

President Magufuli, who enjoyed wild popularity on assuming office in 2015, has come under sharp criticism over some of his policies and clampdown on opposition.

Some of the decisions that have attracted public wrath include his declaration that young girls who become pregnant while in school should not be allowed to finish their studies after giving birth.

Last year, he also sparked public outrage when he pardoned two musicians who had been handed life sentences for raping 10 young girls.

Nguza Viking, alias Babu Seya, and his son Johnson Nguza aka, Papii Kocha, walked to freedom on December 10, 2017 alongside 59 other prisoners hours after Mr Magufuli pardoned them in his speech on the 56th independence anniversary of Tanganyika.

Mr Magufuli has also been accused of cracking down on the media, opposition and targeting politicians critical of his leadership.

Additional report by Harry Misiko.