South Africa-based Zimbabwean singer Berita Khumalo was attacked on stage while performing at the Plett Chill Out event on 30 September 2017.

Singer Blossom was handed a 12-month ban by the Namibian Annual Music Awards for criticising Namibia's president on social media.

Controversial new law bans women from traditional drumming and regulates the formation of drumming groups, as well as where and when they can perform.

Seven persons were killed and 20 others, including six musicians, were severely injured as a result of a grenade attack at a peace concert in Bangui.

Freemuse, along with 17 other organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have sent an open letter to Equatoguinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo calling for the release of artist Ramón Esono Ebalé on the 60th day of his detention without charge.

Female singer Diana Namukwaya (popularly known as Spice Diana) was reportedly beaten by police at the Kampala City Festival on 8 October 2017.

Religious leader Prophet Kumchacha placed a “spiritual injunction” on Patapaa’s hit song “One Corner”, calling the music “demonic, stupid and useless”.

Robert Kyagulanyi (aka Bobi Wine) has been reportedly banned from performing at music shows allegeldy over “words that were inciteful to the public”.

One person was killed and eight others were wounded on 27 August 2017 when a gunman opened fire into the audience of a concert in Johannesburg.

On 11 October 2017, four directors of the National Theatre of Nigeria in Lagos were arrested on allegations of diversion and embezzlement of theatre funds.