Dodoma: PM calls for stronger copyright law

Written by DAILY NEWS Reporter in Dodoma.

PRIME Minister Mizengo Pinda has said they are working with stakeholders to tighten the copyright law that would check piracy of artistes’ work.

He was speaking here on Sunday when receiving a procession of local artistes at Nyerere Square where Clouds Media Group launched a new programme called ‘Twenzetu, made in Tanzania’ that sensitizes Tanzanians to support local artistes through buying and using their original work.

He paid tribute to the initiative, noting that art was one way of creating employment and asked them to go for the opportunity “We will also work on the issue of stickers through liasing with BASATA and COSATA,” he said.

The premier said he would also join them in the initiative by talking to all media houses to highlight the campaign, “made in Tanzania”. He, however, warned against cases of some artistes and industry stakeholders who do not support each, but instead create factions and discriminate against one another.

Pinda said artistes should do self-realisation so that they can mint more money and export what is Tanzanian, instead of imitating every act from outside the country.

He said that at independence, there were few educated people and their number now increased, but he questioned their contribution to the nation.

Speaking earlier, Head of Research and Programming at Clouds Media group, Ruge Mutahaba said art was one way of using youth as a resource. “In order for youth to see the change they want, they should be part of that process towards the change,” he said.

Ruge said there is an information gap between opportunity and the youth, noting that Clouds have decided to be that bridge for youth towards opportunity.

“For example, how would a young person in Dodoma know of the opportunity in Iringa or Dar es Salaam?

We want to facilitate that process," he said, adding, “We want to give young people the capacity to compete with any art work beyond the border. Be part of a change you want to see.” Over 150 artistes from across the country were present.

Source: http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/sport/17373-pm-calls-for-stronger-copyright-law