59-year-old Tiktoker fined Ksh 235K for sharing ‘dirty’ content
Popular Tanzanian TikTok user Seif Kisauji Salim aka Babu Wa TikTok has been fined Tsh5 million (Ksh235,0000) for sharing immoral content on his TikTok account.
The 59-year-old music producer and live band performer became famous for the witty and sometimes controversial content he regularly shares on his TikTok account which has so far attracted over 639,000 followers.
However, Mr Salim landed himself in hot water in July when he shared a video of himself with an underage girl ‘grinding’ on his lap. The video sparked outrage among his followers.
The Tanzania Arts Council (BASATA) subsequently banned Mr Salim from engaging in any artistic activities in and outside the country, including live performances and MC engagements, and from using his social media accounts for six months.
BASATA also fined Babu Wa TikTok Tsh3 million (Ksh141,000).
Mr Salim appealed the decision, which was heard and determined two days ago, with Arts and Sports Minister Dr. Damas Ndumbaro reviewing the punishment.
“Under the amended BASATA Act 2019, section 15 A gives the minister, in consultation with the Deputy minister powers to hear and determine an appeal. In this regard, I have annulled the six-month suspension prohibiting Babu Wa TikTok from engaging in artistic activities. As a result, he will now have to pay a fine of TSh5 million,” stated the minister.
Mr Salim, who had appealed the ban and asked for a ‘lenient’ punishment, said he welcomed the new decision.
“I am happy with the outcome of the appeal. I am now free to resume my artistic work immediately and that is a sigh of relief for me. However, I will now have to pay a fine of five million shillings instead of three million and I have been given two weeks to comply,” Babu said after the appeal hearing in Dodoma.
Babu Wa TikTok also issued a public apology for his misconduct and promised to do better in the future.