Tanzanian govt bans popular rapper Ney wa Mitego's song, claims it is 'inciteful' to the public

In the song, Ney furiously and explicitly criticizes President Samia Suluhu's administration a move which led to the song's swift ban by Tanzania's National Art Council, BASATA.

In 'Amkeni,' Ney wa Mitego plunges the daggers deep - boldly calling out the government, describing it as corrupt and accusing President Suluhu, Tanzania's first female President, of engaging in a myriad of publicity blitzes while allegedly failing to deliver on her promises.

"Nchi yaendeshwa kimagendo, Kila kitu kiko wazi, Mama yenu analea wezi hata report ya CAG hakuna aliyechukuliwa hatua. Kodi kila sehemu na bado mnakopa daily," the singer raps in part.

The seasoned rapper goes ahead to fault Suluhu's government for imposing multiple taxes on Tanzanians while offering poor services.

"Siku zote ninachoamini cha bure hakina maana. Wanatupa elimu mbovu ya bure isiyo na maana ndio maana sikuizi tuna wasomi wajinga sana. Promo ya Mama ni kubwa kuliko ata utendaji wake," he raps.

BASATA, a body which has in the past banned countless Tanzanian pieces of art, swiftly responded to the song, imposing a ban on its play across national media houses and social media platforms, terming it 'inciteful'. 

The council stated that the song was disrespectful to President Suluhu and had the potential to incite the public against the ruling government.

Undettered by the ban, an obstinate Ney wa Mitego took to Instagram to castigate BASATA's move, calling it futile while also accusing the body of abusing their authority at the expense of Tanzanian taxpayers.

The rapper also expressed his lack of surprise, claiming that mainstream media has previously shunned his music, but that hasn't stopped his music from impacting the streets. 

"Mimi nilisahau ata mambo ya nyimbo zangu kupigwa radioni, mziki wangu unapenya uko mtaani ni number 1. Ukitaka kufungia ngoma zangu deal na mtaa," he defiantly wrote.

No stranger to controversy, the rapper has, over the years, fearlessly used his music to address societal and political issues, resulting in several of his songs being banned and even leading to his arrest on previous occasions.

In 2017, he was arrested for using foul language on the then-Tanzanian President, the late John Pombe Magufuli in his song 'Wapo'.