Gospel artist Ado Mwasongwe will head the Tanzania Music Federation (TMF) for the next three years. Mwasongwe was elected during the TMF’s general election held at the National Arts Council (BASATA) premises in Ilala, Dar es Salaam on Friday.

The youthful artist edged out three other contestants in a closely fought presidential race after collecting eight votes. He is also the chairman of the Tanzania Gospel Music Association (CHAMUITA). Fredrick Mariki alias ‘Mkoloni’ of the Tanzania Urban Music Association (TUMA) managed six votes, while veteran musician and producer Abdul Salvador from Tanzania Dance Music Association (CHAMUDATA) had five votes and Samwel Semkuruto got four.

The meeting also elected eight members to form the new TMF team. Those elected were Mariki, Salvador, Semkuruto, Samata Rajab, Che Mundugwao, Dorice Kabenga, Ency Mwalukasa, Maumbili Msanda and Samwel Mbwana. The newly-elected TMF president, Mwasongwe vowed to fight for their rights to ensure they get value for the music they produce in the country.

He urged local musicians to burry their differences and join forces so that they can strongly safeguard and fight for their rights and welfares. The artists had expressed concerns over rising cases of pirates which they observed has been exploiting musicians and denying the government billions of shillings in the process.

The election was presided BASATA Executive Secretary, Gonche Materego, and the Director of Rulu Arts Promoters Director, Angelo Luhala. Speaking at the end of the election, Meterego, challenged the new leaders to keep their promises and always strive towards pushing the industry ahead. He suggested that in order to be effective, the federation should reach all over the country and extend its operations up to the district level.

Luhala, on his side, reckoned that music is a fundamental economic activity for recording artists and their professional associates and urged the government and other stakeholders to support the industry.

By ABDALLAH MSUYA, Tanzania Daily News

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