By Katie O’Reilly-Boyles (Originally published on Sep 16, 2013)
Stalls with counterfeit products are as common in Zanzibar as in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Stalls with counterfeit products are as common in Zanzibar as in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Lack of copyright law enforcement is ruining artists in Tanzania. Some brand names like Kilimanjaro, for example, are common and likely to be used uncontrollably by many companies in Tanzania, especially due to its association with the tallest free standing mountain in Africa.The name is prevalent and commonly used for a range of different products and services whose businesses are not connected in any way with the famous mountain– this is due to the diluted copyright laws in Tanzania. But consumer goods companies and services are not affected in the same way as artists, who are struggling even more with this problem.

Although there is some legislation which aims to protect artists and producers from copyright theft, the counterfeit market still flourishes and the creative industry continues to be affected. We interviewed Katasinga Ngoi, a local guitarist and singer, about his views on the issue.

Follow the link below to watch the interview

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151581819526930&set=vb.142930706929&type=2&theater

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