Bongo Flava singer Rich Mavoko has urged upcoming and established musicians to pay close attention to record contracts, particularly clauses that determine ownership and control of their music.
Mavoko spoke about the importance of contracts during an interview on Radio 47’s Maskani show hosted by Billy Miya and Mbaruk Mwalim, following questions about his departure from Wasafi Records and the issues that may arise when artistes leave record labels.
The singer, who was previously signed to the record label owned by fellow Tanzanian musician Diamond Platinumz before pursuing his career independently, said musicians should not blindly accept agreements without understanding how their rights, earnings and contract periods are structured.
“Shida ya mikataba, ukiambiwa kuna kandarasi, inakuwa tofauti tofauti, haiwezi kufanana,” Mavoko explained, stressing that every agreement should be assessed based on its specific terms.
He advised musicians to particularly protect ownership of their creative work, warning against signing away all their rights.
“Kitu muhimu ni kuangalia kutokuuza rights zako zote, percentage yako na muda wa mkataba. Usiuze rights zako zote, hiyo ndio major key,” he said.
Mavoko’s remarks come from a career that has seen him experience both the opportunities and challenges associated with working within a major record label.
During the interview, the Roho Yangu hit maker also recalled one of the most difficult moments of his career involving his hit song Marry Me. He said the song became a source of considerable stress after he was accused of stealing it.
“Wimbo wangu ambao siwezi kusahau ni wa Marry Me kwa sababu ulikuwa na msukosuko sanaa,” Mavoko said.
He explained that the controversy eventually influenced his decision to release another song titled Follow Me, which he also remembers as one of the projects that caused him significant pressure.
Mavoko, popularly known for hits such as Pacha Wangu and Ibaki Story was among the artistes associated with Wasafi Records, a label that has played a major role in shaping Tanzania’s modern music scene.
His message serves as a caution to musicians to understand the value of their creative rights before signing record deals.
