This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
Contract Dispute Rocks Tanzanian Music Industry ¶
Rich Mavoko, a promising Bongo singer in 2017, found himself at the center of a massive contract dispute with Diamond Platnumz's music label, WCB. The disagreement began when Mavoko terminated the contract, citing favoritism.
According to Mavoko's sister, Wenceslaus Dokii, Diamond Platnumz demanded Sh23 million from her brother to allow him to terminate the contract. However, the family resisted, and the Tanzanian authorities, through Baraza La Sanaa Tanzania (BASATA), intervened to mediate the dispute.
“We were told to pay millions of money, but I told Diamond that we couldn't pay him. It was millions of money, equivalent to what Harmonize was paid. I also told Sallam (Diamond's manager) that you guys should leave and let us think about it again. Is it fair?” Dokii revealed.
As a result of the dispute, Mavoko and WCB failed to reach an agreement, and no payment was made. Mavoko has since accused WCB of having unrealistic demands and prioritizing their own interests over those of the artist.
Former WCB artist Harmonize, who faced a similar situation, was forced to sell his properties to raise money for contract termination and eventually formed his own music label, Konde Music Worldwide.
