Tanzanian rappers Hamisi Mwinjuma popularly known as Mwana FA and Ambwene Yessaya (AY) are smiling all the way to the bank after winning a four year court case against mobile phone company MIC Tanzania (Tigo).
The stars had accused the mobile telecommunication company for unauthorized use of their music as callback tunes.
The duo are reported to have been awarded TSh2.18 billion (Sh96 million) for damages by Ilala senior resident magistrate Juma Hassan on April 11, 2016 But the company did not effect the payment till Monday 28th May.
In protest of the 2016 ruling, Tigo went to the High court to block the execution of the award pending its appeal.
The case was finally concluded on Friday 25th when the Tanzanian High Court upheld the ruling made by the Ilala District Court.
‘’This is a key moment in copyright in Tanzania. This is something that has been happening for quite a long time now, mainly because of lack of knowledge and maybe because of the costs associated with such cases. Nobody is supposed to use your work without your permission or agreement, and if at all he has benefited then he is supposed to share with you according to the price tag you have set for your work,’’ Mwana FA said.
The two songs involved in the case of are ‘Dakika Moja’ and ‘Usije Mjini,’ featuring AY, MwanaFA and the late Mangwair, famed for his Mikasi hit.
Complying with the court ruling the two bongo artists confirmed to Tanzanian press that by Monday May 28th the Sh 96 million had been deposited into their account.
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