BASATA Fines Harmonize and Nandy Over Alleged Code of Conduct Violations

Tanzania’s National Arts Council (BASATA) has taken disciplinary action against several artists and entertainment stakeholders over alleged violations of regulations and ethical standards governing the country’s creative industry.

Tanzanian music star Harmonize, whose real name is Rajab Abdul Kahali, and music video director Kennedy David Sanga, popularly known as Director Kenny, have each been fined TZS 5 million in connection with the music video for Harmonize’s song “Kudos.”

According to the reported BASATA decision, Harmonize and Sanga were ordered to remove the video from their social media platforms and pay their respective fines within 14 days.

They were also directed to refrain from artistic activities until they comply with the council’s decision.

BASATA said the “Kudos” video breached ethical requirements governing artistic content in Tanzania, citing provisions of the National Arts Council regulations.

Nandy Fined TZS 3 Million

Tanzanian singer Nandy, whose real name is Faustina Charles Mfinanga, has also faced disciplinary action.

BASATA fined Nandy TZS 3 million over what the council described as an ethical violation involving an outfit she wore while performing at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 event.

The council said the outfit breached its standards governing artistic performances and cited Regulation 20(a).

In addition to the fine, Nandy received a warning and was urged to exercise greater caution in her future artistic activities.

Miss Grand Tanzania Organizer Also Penalized

BASATA also imposed a TZS 3 million fine on Avil Contractors Company Ltd, the organizer associated with Miss Grand Tanzania.

According to the council’s decision, the company organized the competition without obtaining the required event permit from BASATA.

The organizer was ordered to pay the fine within 14 days and was barred from engaging in artistic activities until it complies with the council’s directives.

BASATA Calls for Compliance Across Tanzania’s Creative Industry

The disciplinary measures come as BASATA continues to emphasize compliance with Tanzania’s laws and regulations governing artistic activities.

The council has called on musicians, performers, event organizers, video directors and other stakeholders in the creative industry to observe applicable regulations, guidelines and cultural standards when producing content or organizing entertainment events.

The developments involving Harmonize and Nandy have drawn particular attention because both artists are prominent figures in Tanzania’s music industry.