Tanzania: Vitali Maembe arrested over ‘controversial song’

Maembe was taken into custody at the Bagamoyo Police Station before being transferred to the Kibaha Police Station.

‘Kaizari’, which was released on 6 September, provides the nexus between the campaign promises made by the proverbial Ceasar during the election period and its direct impact on development outcomes to the public such as lack of employment, increased poverty, failed businesses and the closure of schools. Maembe also touches on how Ceasar is robbing ordinary people off the little that they have. 

Maembe’s arrest has raised questions on social media about the constitutional right to gather and form opinions in Tanzania. It also underscores the power of the police to disrupt, intimidate and intervene at the slightest hint of dissent. His detention drew widespread condemnation on Facebook from various musicians, fans and civil rights groups. 

“Stop this cowardly act and release Maembe Vitali,” rapper and activist Nash MC wrote. “We are still monitoring and liaising with the lawyers present in Kibaha to ensure that he is granted bail. The police are holding Vitali on suspicion of insulting the government. Even if you arrest or silence all musicians who write songs for a moral society's patriotic interests and values, others will still be born and continue the same movement. Why is the government turning a blind eye to songs that promote rape, AIDS, and teenage pregnancy?”

Kenyan activist Rachael Mwikali wrote: “Free artivist and comrade Maembe Vitali. The Tanzanian government should stop criminalising activists for speaking the truth to power and fighting for democracy and human rights.”

Maembe has made a name for himself with his socio-political commentary as a composer, visual artist, teacher and counsellor. Known as ‘Sauti Yetu’ (Our Voice) among his fans, his songs challenge inequality and corruption in his country. His activism has seen him assaulted and arrested by the police on several occasions, although he has never been prosecuted. During last year’s general elections, he was among those who contested for the Bagamoyo Pwani District parliamentary seat. At the time, the musician said elections were marred with irregularities but took no legal action to challenge the results.

Maembe is also among those who have been vocal on social media, demanding for a new constitution, which would be crucial in the creation of a new democratic dispensation to effectively facilitate a smooth transfer of power during elections. Opposition and critics are challenging the current Constitution favouring the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. 

The Tanzanian authorities are known to censor political opinions that oppose the government, whether journalistic or in the arts. The country’s new Cyber Crimes Act actively represses freedom of expression, opposition and dissent.