Why Harmonize and Nandy Have Been Slapped With Huge Fines by BASATA
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The National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) has fined Tanzanian artists Rajab AbdulKahali, popularly known as Harmonize, and Faustina Charles Mfinanga, known as Nandy, over content the council said violated Tanzanian values and laws governing artists.
The council issued the fines in a public notice signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Edward Buganga. According to BASATA, Harmonize was found guilty of producing and distributing the music video for his song “Kudos.”
The council said the video contained content that violated Tanzanian values and was disrespectful to religious beliefs and worshippers. It cited Section 20(a) of the National Arts Council of Tanzania Act, Notice No. 137 dated May 22, 2026.
BASATA said it had not received any explanation or defence from Harmonize by the time it made the decision.
Under the ruling, Harmonize was ordered to:
- Remove the “Kudos” music video from his social media platforms.
- Pay a Tsh5 million fine within 14 days from the date of the decision.
- Stop participating in artistic activities until he fulfils the conditions imposed by the council.
The council also directed that the relevant content be removed from his platforms.
BASATA Fined Nandi Tsh3 Million
BASATA also took action against Nandy over an outfit she wore during the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final. The council said Nandy committed an offence by wearing an outfit it described as revealing and disrespectful to Tanzanian values.
The incident allegedly occurred during the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final held at Haddypro in Dar es Salaam. BASATA cited Section 20(a) of the National Arts Council of Tanzania Act, Notice No. 137 dated May 22, 2026, in its decision.
The council said Nandy had admitted the offence, removed the video associated with the content from her social media platforms and paid a Tsh3 million fine.
BASATA further ordered her to continue with her artistic activities under supervision.
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Miss Universe Tanzania Organiser Also Penalised
BASATA also fined Millen Privé & Co. Lifestyle Limited, the organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania, after finding the company responsible for the offence involving Nandy.
The council said the company committed an offence by allowing Nandy to wear the outfit during the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final. The company was ordered to pay a Tsh3 million fine within 14 days from the date of the decision.
BASATA also issued the company with a stern warning and ordered it to be closely monitored while carrying out its artistic activities.
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Art Council Warns Artists
The council called on artists and other people working in the creative industry to follow the law, Tanzanian traditions and the country’s artistic regulations.
“BASATA inatoa Rai kwa Wasanii na Wadau wa Sanaa kuhakikisha wanazingatia Sheria, Kanuni, Miongozo na Maadili ya Mtanzania wanapotekeleza kazi zao za Sanaa.”
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Photo of Official Nandi while performing at the Miss Universe 2026 Final at Haddypro on September 23
PHOTO/Screen grab