Haijawai Tokea, Mwana FA na AY Kulipwa Billion 2 Tshs na Tigo Baada ya Nyimbo zao Kutumika Bila Ruhusa yao
A court has awarded two Tanzanian musicians Sh2.18 billion in special damages in a landmark ruling that could set a precedent in the application of the copyright law in the country. The huge award was won by Bongo flava artistes Ambwene Yessaya “AY” and Hamisi Mwinjuma “MwanaFA” who had sued mobile phone company MIC Tanzania (Tigo), for unauthorised use of their music as caller tunes. A caller tune is a tone that is in the form of music that is heard by a person making a call as they wait for the person being called to answer the phone. Ilala Senior Resident Magistrate Juma Hassan granted the award on April 11 after a four-year court battle between the parties. The award also includes a separate Sh25 million in general damages. News of the fine against Tigo only came to light this week on Tuesday when the firm went to the High Court to block the execution of the award pending its appeal. History in the copyright field would be made should the High Cour...