The National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) has urged all artists across the country to formally register in order to be officially recognized and benefit from various government opportunities, emphasizing that the registration system is now available online through sanaa.go.tz.
The call was made on February 27, 2026, in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, by BASATA Arts Officer Agela Mhilu during a seminar for leaders of cultural groups preparing to participate in the 17th Chigogo Music Festival.
The festival is scheduled to take place from July 24–26, 2026, at the Chamwino Arts Center (CAC).
Mhilu said BASATA responded to an invitation from CAC as a key stakeholder in Tanzania’s arts sector to provide education on three main topics: formalization of artistic work, project proposal writing for artists, and ethical guidelines in the preparation of artistic productions.
“It is important for artists to register in order to support our responsive government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan by ensuring proper national data on artists,” Mhilu said. “Formal registration simplifies access to legal assistance, copyright education, loans through the Cultural Fund, and other opportunities available to artists.”
She stressed that registration is a key requirement for artists wishing to participate in major festivals and events.
“An artist who is not registered cannot fully participate. It is essential for the community, the country, and regulatory institutions to recognize and officially acknowledge you,” she emphasized.
Chamwino Arts Center (CAC) Executive Director Naamala Samson said the training was organized for about 60 leaders representing 50 groups expected to participate in this year’s festival.
The aim is to strengthen their capacity in leadership, financial management, and understanding opportunities offered by institutions such as COSOTA and the Cultural Fund.
“We want to prepare them early to meet participation requirements, including BASATA registration. We are also providing financial literacy training on proper money management, savings, investment, and the importance of health insurance to protect themselves against unexpected risks,” Samson said.
He added that the festival is expected to attract more than 5,000 attendees, with Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, expected to be the guest of honor.
The event will also create networking opportunities for artists to connect with institutions, companies, government agencies, and private stakeholders.
Festival Coordinator Sospeter Makana said preparations are progressing well, with more than 50 groups expected to perform.
He noted that beyond entertainment, the festival will deliver educational and socially impactful messages to the community.
“In addition to Chigogo music, the festival will showcase diverse cultural traditions from different regions of Tanzania. There will be traditional foods, cooking competitions, indigenous games such as bao, and exhibitions promoting clean cooking energy at affordable prices, in line with the national campaign championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Makana said.
He also announced that on June 24, 2026, a special children’s festival will be held at CAC grounds, bringing together students and young people for learning and cultural engagement activities.
Some participants expressed appreciation for the festival’s impact. Tadayo Mwingwa, a choir teacher with Imani Choir since 1995, said he has participated in the Chigogo Festival for 12 years and that it has significantly contributed to promoting unity and cultural identity within the community.
“I encourage artists who have never participated to seize this opportunity. The festival offers a platform to learn and to pass cultural heritage to future generations,” he said.
Historian Wibberforce Mruka also highlighted the close link between history, arts, and culture, urging young people and community members to visit cultural centers to learn and help preserve Tanzania’s traditions.
The seminar focused on leadership skills, protocol, financial education, formal registration, and access to opportunities, all aimed at preparing groups for the 17th Chigogo Traditional Music Festival, which organizers promise will be unique and impactful this year.
