1.1 What Are Ethics, Norms and Values?

• Ethics refer to moral principles that govern how musicians conduct themselves professionally. These include honesty, respect for others' work, and fair dealing.
• Norms are the unwritten rules or expectations that society holds about how music should be performed, presented, and consumed.
• Values are the cultural beliefs and traditions that shape what is considered appropriate or inappropriate in music.

1.2 Key Areas of Ethical Conduct

The Tanzanian music industry addresses ethics, norms and values in several key areas:

a) Content of Music

• Songs should respect cultural sensitivities and avoid offensive language
• Themes should align with Tanzanian societal values, including respect for elders, honesty, and unity
• Lyrics should not promote violence, drug abuse, or discrimination

b) Performance Conduct

• Musicians should dress appropriately during performances, especially at cultural and formal events
• Performers should arrive on time and prepare adequately for gigs
• Respect for audience members, fellow musicians, and event organizers is expected

c) Use of Traditional Music and Instruments

• Certain traditional musical instruments and songs are restricted in specific communities. For example, some cultural groups in Tanzania consider certain drums or ceremonial songs sacred and only to be played during specific rituals.
• Musicians must seek permission before using traditional music or instruments belonging to specific ethnic groups.

2.1 Acceptable Practices

These are actions and behaviors that are widely approved and encouraged in the Tanzanian music industry:

• Creating music that celebrates Tanzanian culture, unity, and positive social messages
• Giving credit to other artists when sampling or covering their work
• Respecting copyright laws and intellectual property rights
• Collaborating with other musicians in a professional manner
• Performing at community events and cultural celebrations
• Using traditional instruments with permission from cultural authorities

2.2 Tolerable Practices

These practices may be questioned or viewed with concern but are sometimes accepted depending on context:

• Incorporating foreign musical elements (beats, instruments, languages) into Tanzanian music — this is common in Bongo Flava but may be criticized by traditionalists
• Using moderate explicit language in some urban music genres, though this remains controversial
• Commercializing music through endorsements and brand partnerships
• Adapting traditional songs for modern audiences, which may alter original meanings slightly

2.3 Taboo Practices

These are considered unacceptable and often attract criticism, legal action, or cultural backlash:

• Plagiarism: Copying another artist's song without permission or attribution
• Defamatory lyrics: Creating songs that attack individuals, ethnic groups, or religious communities
• Inappropriate use of sacred music: Playing ritual songs or using sacred instruments outside their intended cultural context
• Fraudulent contracts: Deceiving musicians into signing unfavorable agreements
• Promoting illegal activities: glorifying drug trafficking, violence, or criminal behavior in lyrics

3.1 BASATA (Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa)

BASATA is the National Arts Council of Tanzania. It regulates artistic activities and ensures that music and other arts contribute positively to national development. BASATA:

• Issues performance licenses to musicians and event organizers
• Sets standards for artistic content
• Protects Tanzanian cultural heritage in music

3.2 COSOTA (Copyright Society of Tanzania)

COSOTA is responsible for protecting musicians' intellectual property rights in Tanzania. It:

• Registers copyrights for musical works
• Collects and distributes royalties to rights holders
• Enforces copyright laws against piracy and unauthorized use

3.3 Key Legal Terms

• Intellectual Property: Creations of the mind — such as songs, lyrics, melodies, and arrangements — that are protected by law
• Copyright: The exclusive legal right given to a creator to reproduce, distribute, and profit from their original work
• Royalties: Payments made to musicians each time their copyrighted work is performed, broadcast, or sold

Globalisation and modernity have significantly affected ethical conduct and taboos in Tanzanian music:

Positive influences:

• Exposure to international music technologies and professional standards
• Greater awareness of intellectual property rights
• Opportunities for Tanzanian musicians to reach global audiences

Challenges:

• Pressure to adopt Western musical styles at the expense of traditional forms
• Increased availability of pirated music online
• Confusion among young musicians about which cultural practices remain sacred

When faced with ethical dilemmas in music, students should follow this approach:

1. Identify the problem — What is the ethical concern? Who might be affected?
2. Consult relevant guidelines — Refer to BASATA and COSOTA regulations
3. Consider cultural implications — Will the action respect Tanzanian traditions?
4. Seek solutions — Could you obtain permission? Modify the content? Choose an alternative approach?
5. Make a decision — Choose the option that is ethical, legal, and culturally respectful

Worked Example

A student wants to sample a traditional Singeli song from a specific community in Dar es Salaam for their school music project.

Problem: Using cultural music without permission could offend the community and violate cultural norms.

Solution:

1. Research the origins of the song and identify the community
2. Seek permission from community elders or cultural leaders
3. Credit the original creators in the project
4. If permission is denied, compose an original piece inspired by the style rather than directly sampling

To deepen your understanding, consider the following:

• How do your personal values align with the ethical standards expected in the Tanzanian music industry?
• Have you ever encountered music that you felt was inappropriate or offensive? Why did you feel that way?
• How do foreign music influences affect your own musical preferences and choices?
• What steps would you take if you discovered someone had copied your original song?

A Form 5 music student in Arusha who performs at local weddings and community events must apply these ethics daily — for example, when a event organizer asks the student to play a popular song that contains lyrics considered disrespectful to certain ethnic groups, the student can draw on this learning to politely decline, explain the cultural concerns, and offer an alternative performance that respects both the audience and Tanzanian values, thereby building a professional reputation as a responsible musician.