The National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) has directed all Masters of Ceremony (MCs) and Disc Jockeys (DJs) operating in the country to register and obtain official accreditation by January 31, 2026, as part of efforts to regulate and professionalise the creative industry.
In a public notice issued on December 29, 2025, BASATA said the directive is grounded in Section 18(1)(a) and (b) of the National Arts Council Act of 2018, which mandates the Council to register artists and issue permits for individuals engaged in artistic activities for commercial purposes.
The Council explained that the requirement is further supported by Section 20 of the Act, together with the First Schedule of BASATA Fees and Charges for 2025, which obliges MCs and DJs to hold valid permits in order to legally perform their duties.
BASATA noted that the registration exercise is intended to enhance order, accountability and recognition within the entertainment sector, while safeguarding the interests of practitioners and stakeholders in the arts industry.
It warned that MCs and DJs who fail to comply within the given timeframe will face legal action in accordance with the law.
Under the new directive, the registration fee has been set at Sh10,000, while the accreditation or permit fee stands at TZS40,000.
Artists have been advised to complete the process online through the official government platform, www.sanaa.go.tz.
For more information, BASATA has provided contact details for its officers, including Mr Abel Ndaga on 0625 662933 and Mr Gabriel Awe on 0767 499993.
The notice was signed by Leonidas Tibanga, Director of Government Communication, on behalf of the National Arts Council of Tanzania.