Tanzanian legendary singer Geoffrey Tumaini aka Dudubaya has been banned from performing hours after being arrested for mocking Clouds Media Group Boss the late Ruge Mutahaba who died on Tuesday.
Dudubaya has been banned by the music regulatory board popularly known as BASATA, through an official statement sent to media houses.
According to BASATA executive secretary Godfrey Muingera, the board reached on a decision of revoking the musician’s membership rights, following his ill remarks towards the late Mutahaba who died while undergoing treatment in South Africa.
In a series of Instagram posts, Dudu had accused the late Ruge of exploiting the Tanzanian music industry for his own selfish gains.
“Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) , taasisi yenet dhamana ya kusimamia sekta ya Sanaa an wasanii nchini imesitisha usajili wa msanii Godfrey Tumaini aka Dudubaya) kuanzia leo tareher 28/2/2019. Hatua hiyo imechukuliwa baada ya msani huyo kukamatwa na jeshila polisi kutokana na kauli zake zizizofaaa kenye mitandao ya kijamii hivi karibuni” reads part of BASATA stataement.
No artiste in Tanzania can pursue music professionally, if he or she is not a member of BASATA. It remains unclear when the musician will either be released from custody or arraigned.
Ruge, who was the co-founder and programs director at Clouds Media Group, died battling with Kidney failure for almost 6 months.
President John Pombe Magufuli and retired President Jakaya Kikwete led Tanzanians in mourning the sudden demise of Mr. Mutahaba.
The late Mutahaba was the force behind Tigo Fiesta one of the biggest entertainment concerts that happens yearly. He was also the founder of Tanzania House of Talent popularly known as THT.
Arguably there is no Tanzanian celebrity who has not passed in the hands of the late Ruge in one way of another.