By CALEB AYANSINA
ABUJA – For what could best be described as an attempt towards technological transfer in arts and creativity, the government of Tanzania has entered into an agreement with Nigerian Atunda Entertainment.

Tagged East-West African Amalgamation Through Art and Tourism, the project, involved movie production and musical concert, aimed at bringing together, major players in the creative industry from both Nigeria and Tanzania.

The project was unveiled last weekend by both the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Daniel O. Njoolay and his Nigerian partner and a private sector player in entertainment and tourism, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye.

Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both parties and the project itself involves the collaboration of Nigerian and Tanzanian movie directors and script writers. At the end of each production, musical artists, both established and emerging ones would be brought together to feature at the premier.

Beginning from Nigeria, the creative minds would be hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of La Campagn Tropicana Reach Resort, Dr. Akinboboye, where they would be expected to emerge with a movie that captures Nigerian cultures and themes.

The movie, which will feature artists from both countries, would be premiered in Tanzania with Nigerian musical artists performing alongside their Tanzanian colleagues at the 65,000 capacity stadium in the country.

The second leg of the production is expected to take place in Tanzania after which the team will return to Nigeria for premiering with Tanzanian artists billed to equally perform in Nigeria alongside Nigerian artists.

Commissioner Njoolay, who took time to give historic account of the project conceptualisation and benefits to artists and youths of each country, pointed out that motion picture in Tanzania still lacked the necessary skills and expertise.

Acknowledging that Nigeria ranked among major movie makers in the world, the High Commissioner said the partnership will benefit his country in the area of technological transfer in arts and creativity.

According to him, Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Culture is deeply involved in the project and would be committing funds to it the moment the year’s budgetary appropriation was ready.

He said: “Our movie stars still lack the skill. It will be a form of technology transfer when we bring artists to come and perform jointly with artists in Nigeria. The project was welcome by the Ministry of Culture, Tanzania.

“We have reached a good point and everything is moving on fast. Everything begins on August 1. The project would have kicked off instantly but it has to be captured in our budget.”

While describing Wanle as a very creative person, the Commissioner stressed that since Tanzania was second in terms of tourism attraction in the world after Brazil, the project would serve as an opportunity for both countries to further open their tourism potentials.