BRELA, BASATA join forces to protect artistic right

DAR ES SALAAM: BUSINESS Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and the National Arts Council (BASATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect artistic works and utilise Intellectual Property (IP) for economic development.

The agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam by BRELA’s Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Nyaisa and BASATA’s Executive Secretary, Kedmon Mapana.

During the signing event Nyaisa highlighted the agreement’s potential to transform the creative sector by utilising ICT for seamless information sharing.

“This partnership is about more than just paperwork; it’s about empowering creators,” he stated.

“By streamlining service delivery, educating artists on business practices and strengthening copyright protection, we aim to build a thriving creative economy.”

He noted that the agreement will facilitate the formalisation of entertainment venues, such as music clubs and nightclubs, ensuring compliance with creative and commercial standards.

“We want to give traditional and cultural art forms the recognition they deserve,” he added.

Nyaisa described the creative sector as one of the country’s fastestgrowing industries, vital for job creation and revenue generation.

“It is our responsibility to develop the right policy and legal environment to nurture this growth,” he said.

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Mapana praised the initiative as a transformative moment.

“This partnership ensures that artists can register their trademarks before their work reaches the market, providing essential legal protection,” he remarked.

“Our creative economy is growing at an impressive rate of 17 per cent, thanks to our artists.”

Through this agreement, artists will receive free legal education and improved access to funding through the Culture Fund, which offers loans and grants.

Mapana also encouraged musicians preparing for the Tanzania Music Awards (TMA) next month to register their trademarks in advance to secure their rights, as well as contestants in the 2027 international beauty pageant hosted by Tanzania.