Tanzanian musician Harmonize has broken his silence after being fined TSh5 million (about Sh240,000) over his ‘Kudos’ music video, saying he was disappointed by the decision but is willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Speaking to BBC’s This Is Africa, Harmonize said he respected Tanzania and its government despite the action taken against him by the National Arts Council (BASATA).
“I was disappointed kind of like, but at the end of the day I know we’re growing together so we’re gonna be better. So I don’t blame anybody,” he said.
The singer said the action had affected his efforts to take his music to a wider audience, but he had chosen not to confront the authorities.
“I mean, it wasn’t good because we are trying to take our music to another stage, so we have to relate with them and we’re gonna get there,” he said.
Harmonize was fined by BASATA after the council ruled that the ‘Kudos’ video contained content that violated the dignity of viewers and went against the ethical standards expected of Tanzanian artists.
He was ordered to remove the video from his social media platforms and pay the TSh5 million fine within 14 days. He was also directed to suspend all artistic activities until he complied with the decision.
The video’s director, Kennedy David Sanga, was separately fined TSh5 million for his role in producing the video.
BASATA said Sanga had committed an ethical offence by directing content that violated the values expected of Tanzanian artists. He was similarly ordered to remove the video, pay the fine within 14 days and suspend his artistic activities until the decision was implemented.
Harmonize said he had deliberately avoided escalating the matter because of his respect for his country and government.
“I’m very, very, very respectful when it comes to my country, when it comes to my government as well. Just wanna see us win. Don’t wanna separate,” he said.
Asked whether he would apologise or pay the fine to bring the matter to an end, Harmonize said he was ready to take whatever steps would help resolve the dispute.
“I’ll do everything that’s going to bring a peace. I’m a man of peace,” he said.
The action against Harmonize was part of a wider BASATA crackdown in which five artists and entertainment industry players were fined a combined TSh19 million.
Singer Nandy and the organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 were each fined TSh3 million over an outfit worn during the event, while Avil Contractors Company Ltd was fined the same amount for holding Miss Grand Tanzania without a BASATA event permit.
BASATA said the measures were intended to ensure compliance with Tanzania’s laws, regulations and ethical standards