Johannesburg – A popular Tanzanian rapper has been arrested after criticising the government in a song just days after that country's President John Magufuli warned media owners to be careful on how they use their press freedom.
Emmanuel Elibariki, who performs as "Ney wa Mitego", was arrested after releasing the song "Wapo" last week.
“Ney wa Mitego will be questioned for releasing a song with words that malign the government,” a police spokesman was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Wapo has been widely shared on social media, especially Whatsapp, but has yet to make it on to local radio stations.
The lyrics include questioning whether there is still freedom of expression in the country and euphemistically makes reference to a doctor who lances boils, but cannot tolerate criticism.
President Magufuli has often spoken of "lancing boils" in reference to his no-nonsense approach to governing.
However, Elibariki doesn’t limit his scathing attacks on the Tanzanian government alone and has built up a reputation for also making fun of fellow artists.