The National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) has reported a substantial increase in the number of submissions for the Tanzania Music Awards (TMA). In the 2022/2023 season, the number of submissions rose to 1,870 from 1,300 in the previous year, representing a 44% increase. The council’s Executive Secretary confirmed the numbers and noted that 1,019 out of the 1,870 works submitted qualified for consideration, up from 700 in the previous year.
Academy Process and Criteria for Selection
The Tanzania Music Awards Gala is a national music award held annually in Tanzania. It was held under the name Kilimanjaro Music Awards or the Kili Music Awards for many years.
BASATA recently completed its academy process, which involved 50 experts in the music industry. The academy considered 57 criteria in selecting the nominees for the TMA. The council also evaluated the songs based on their popularity and overall appeal. Notable artists, including Ali Saleh Kiba, Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa (Rayvanny), and Maua Sama, have been requested to be on the nomination list.
Promoting and Protecting Artistic Works
The Tanzania Music Awards, also known as the Kilimanjaro Music Awards or the Kili Music Awards, have been held annually since 1999 and aim to recognize the achievements of Tanzanian musicians. BASATA has urged all artists who have not yet submitted their works to do so in the coming years, as the council seeks to promote and protect their artistic works. The Minister for Arts, Culture, and Sports, Pindi Chana, will announce the TMA nominees at the Morena Hotel in Dodoma.
The increase in submissions for the Tanzania Music Awards is a positive development for the music industry in Tanzania. It shows that more artists are interested in being recognized for their work and that BASATA’s efforts to promote and protect artistic works are bearing fruit. The academy process and selection criteria used by BASATA ensure that only the best works are considered for the awards, which helps to maintain the high standards of the TMA. Tanzanian music fans can look forward to the announcement of the nominees and the upcoming TMA gala.
