Africa-Press – Tanzania. The National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) has officially launched the Rising Star Award, a new programme aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting emerging music talents across the country.
Speaking during the launch event held in Dar es Salaam, BASATA Executive Secretary Kelvin Stansilausi said the initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening Tanzania’s music industry.
“Today is a historic day in our journey to strengthen and develop the music sector in Tanzania. Through this platform, we are officially launching a programme that will catalyze identifying, nurturing, and promoting new talents capable of competing at national and international levels,” he said.
The programme has been developed in close collaboration with Alliance Française and the Embassy of France in Tanzania, as part of broader efforts to promote the creative economy and open international opportunities for Tanzanian artists.
According to BASATA, the core objectives of the Rising Star Award include:
Identifying and nurturing emerging musicians
Providing wider media exposure
Building professional capacity through specialised training
Offering performance opportunities on major stages
Preparing artists to compete in national and international markets
Participation Requirements
BASATA International Representative Flora Rousseau said all participants must be officially registered with BASATA and possess a valid registration number.
She explained that the programme targets emerging musicians who already have songs available on digital platforms but lack adequate promotion and professional management support.
To ensure inclusivity and creativity, the awards will cover a wide range of music genres, including: Bongo Flava, Hip Hop, Singeli, Reggae, Dancehall, Gospel
Amapiano, R&B, folk, and other musical styles
Monthly winners of the Rising Star Award will receive a comprehensive package that includes:
Media tours, Opportunities to record new music
Professional development training, Performance slots at major events
Meanwhile, BASATA official Lilian Shayo noted that the council operates under three main pillars—Music, Performing Arts, and Dance—and that the Rising Star Award is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the music sector nationwide.
The launch of the BASATA Rising Star Award is being hailed as a new chapter in the development of a competitive new generation of Tanzanian artists, while also promoting professionalism and formal registration within the country’s music industry.
