BASATA unveils categories today, heading to Dec 13 Music Awards gala
DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Music Awards (TMA) have been officially scheduled to take place on December 13, 2025, with the application window for artists opening today, Friday, and closing on November 14, 2025.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Executive Secretary of the National Arts Council (BASATA), Dr Kedmond Mapana, announced that a total of 37 award categories will be contested this year.
Eligible entries include songs released between January and December 2024.
“Artists will not be allowed to submit songs released before 2024 or in 2025,” clarified Dr Mapana.
According to Dr Mapana, the Bongo Fleva music category will feature four awards: Song of the Year, Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, and Best Producer.
For Singeli music, categories will include Best Singeli Song, Best Singeli DJ, and Best Singeli Artist.
In the Hip Hop genre, there will be awards for Best Hip Hop Producer, Best Hip Hop Artist, and Best Hip Hop Song.
Dr Mapana emphasized that all artists wishing to participate must be registered with BASATA and should submit their entries online via the official website award.basata.go.tz by selecting their respective categories.
“In the Dansi music category, awards will include Best Dansi Song, Best Dansi Producer, and Best Dansi Artist,” he added.
The Taarab music category will feature awards for Best Taarab Singer, Best Producer, and Song of the Year.
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In addition, there will be overall awards such as Musician of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Best Upcoming Artist, Best DJ of the Year, Best Performer, Best Female Performer, and Best Male Performer.
Dr Mapana concluded by noting that after the nomination process, BASATA will announce the official selection committee and event sponsors. Preparations are currently underway, organized by BASATA in collaboration with Seven Mosha.
