Popular Tanzanian rapper, Emmanuel Elibariki, who performs
as Ney wa Mitego, has been arrested for releasing a song called deemed
insulting to the government.
The song, Wapo, which has not made it to the radio
airwaves yet, emerged last week and was widely shared on social media,
especially on Whatsapp.
Part of it asks:
“Is there still
freedom of expression in the country?”
It makes reference to a doctor who lances boils but cannot
tolerate criticism.
President John Magufuli has often spoken of "lancing
boils" in reference to his no-nonsense approach to governing.
The police told a local newspaper:
“Ney wa Mitego will
be questioned for releasing a song with words that malign the government."
The rapper is popular for his scathing lyrics attacking not
only the government but even his fellow artists.
On his social media accounts he uses the name Nay true boy
(translated from Swahili), saying he always speaks his mind and tells the
truth.
His arrest comes just days after President John Magufuli
warned media owners to be careful on how they use their press freedom.
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