Tanzania’s National Arts Council (BASATA) has taken disciplinary action against several prominent figures in the country’s entertainment industry, with Harmonize and Nandy among those fined over alleged violations of artistic and moral standards.
In a public notice issued by BASATA, the council announced fines against artistes, video directors and companies following investigations into several incidents involving the creative industry.
Popular bongo fleva artiste Harmonize, was fined TSh5 million (about Sh265,000) over his Kudos music video.
BASATA accused the singer of publishing the video despite its alleged violation of Tanzania’s artistic regulations, saying the content undermined the dignity of military and national security organs.
The council cited Article 20(2)(a) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and Article 137 of the National Arts Council Act in its decision.
Harmonize was ordered to remove the video from his social media platforms and pay the fine within 14 days,and was also directed to suspend his artistic activities until he complies with the directives issued by BASATA.
The video’s director, Dr Kenny was similarly fined the same amount after being accused of directing the video, which BASATA said contained material that violated the dignity of Tanzanian citizens.
He was ordered to remove the video on all his socials, pay the fine within 14 days and suspend his artistic activities until the council’s directives are fulfilled.
Songstress Nandy, was fined TSh3 million (about Sh160,000) over what BASATA described as an offence against moral standards.
According to the council, Nandy committed the offence by wearing clothing deemed indecent and disrespectful to viewers while performing at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final in Dar es Salaam.
BASATA said Nandy admitted to the offence during questioning and subsequently removed the offending video from her platforms.
The African Princess as her moniker goes, was ordered to pay the fine within 14 days and was warned to exercise greater caution in her future artistic activities.
BASATA also sanctioned Avil Contractors Company Ltd, the organiser of the Miss Grand Tanzania competition, after accusing it of failing to get appropriate licenses from the regulator.
The company was subsequently fined TSh3 million, payable within 14 days, and ordered to suspend its artistic activities until it complies with the directives.
Millinery Prize & Co. Lifestyle Limited, identified in the notice as the organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania, was also fined TSh3 million, within 14 days and was warned to exercise greater caution in the conduct of its artistic activities.
BASATA said the company was responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations during the competition and was accused of failing to prevent the incident involving Nandy.
In its notice, BASATA urged artistes and other players in the creative industry to respect the laws, regulations, guidelines and artistic codes governing their work.