Tanzania National Arts Council (BASATA) has fined popular musicians Harmonize and Nandy over alleged violations of the country’s artistic and ethical regulations.

In a statement issued by BASATA Acting Executive Secretary Edward Buganga, the council said, “BASATA issues fines to the artists and stakeholders to ensure they comply with the laws, regulations, guidelines and ethics of Tanzanian society when carrying out their artistic activities.”

Harmonize, whose real name is Rajab Abdul Kahali, was fined TSh5 million (Ksh. 930,000) over his “Kudos” music video. According to BASATA, the video did not comply with Tanzanian moral standards and was considered disrespectful to viewers. The council ordered him to remove the video from his social media platforms and pay the fine within 14 days. He was also directed to suspend artistic activities until he complies with the decision.

The video’s director, Kennedy David Sanga, popularly known as Director Kenny, received a similar TSh5 million fine (Ksh. 930,000) and was given the same directives.

Meanwhile, Nandy, whose real name is Faustina Charles Mfinanga, was fined TSh3 million (Ksh. 146,000) over an outfit she wore while performing at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 finale in Dar es Salaam. BASATA described the outfit as contrary to the country’s moral standards. 

Nandy admitted the violation, removed the related video from her social media platforms and paid the fine. She has since been allowed to continue her artistic activities under BASATA’s supervision.

The actions form part of BASATA’s wider enforcement of regulations governing Tanzania’s creative and entertainment industry.