The Tanzania National Arts Council, known as Basata, is urging artists to prioritize ethical standards over the pursuit of social media views. Basata Acting Executive Secretary Edward Buganga emphasized that disciplinary measures against artists aim to address violations in artistic works, not to punish them for who they are. The council is promoting greater use of parental controls and age restrictions to prevent inappropriate content from reaching unintended audiences.
According to Buganga, artists who repeatedly breach ethical standards may face further disciplinary action. The industry needs to maintain clear boundaries around artistic platforms, especially as artists increasingly use social media, where controversial content can quickly attract large audiences. Some artists deliberately cross ethical boundaries, believing provocative material will generate more views and engagement.
Buganga rejected suggestions that Basata imposes penalties without giving artists an opportunity to respond. He explained that complaints are handled through an established process involving summonses, explanations, notices, lawyers, and the council's ethics committee. The council encourages artists to use digital tools that restrict access to content by age, citing YouTube's parental controls and age classifications as an example.
Artist manager Godfrey Abel proposed reviving a system where artists can submit songs and videos for review before publication. He argued that early guidance could prevent financial losses when content is later removed. Abel remembered a system where artists would submit songs for review and believed it should be brought back.
Artist manager Shamila Iddy emphasized that artists need simpler and more practical guidance on ethical requirements. She noted that most people are not readers, making it difficult for artists to go through lengthy guidelines. Iddy also suggested that parents should be taught how to use parental controls and age restrictions to help artists target the right audience.
The council's efforts aim to promote responsible artistic expression while protecting vulnerable audiences. By prioritizing ethics and using digital tools, artists can maintain a positive reputation and avoid disciplinary action. The industry recognizes the importance of balancing creative freedom with social responsibility.
The Tanzania National Arts Council's push for greater ethics and responsibility in the artistic industry is ongoing. As artists continue to navigate the challenges of social media and digital platforms, the council's guidance and support will be crucial in shaping the country's artistic landscape. Artists and industry stakeholders must work together to promote a culture of ethics and responsibility.
Key points
- The Tanzania National Arts Council encourages artists to prioritize ethics and use digital tools to restrict access to content by age.
- Artists who breach ethical standards may face disciplinary action, including fines and penalties.
- The industry needs to balance creative freedom with social responsibility to protect vulnerable audiences.
