The Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) in Tanzania has announced disciplinary actions against several artists and event organizers for violating the country's artistic codes of conduct. According to a statement released on September 24, 2026, the decisions were made after investigations found that the individuals and companies involved had breached the National Arts Council's regulations. The penalties include fines and temporary suspensions from engaging in artistic activities.
One of the artists affected is Harmonize, whose real name is Rajab Abdulkahali. He has been fined Shilingi 5 million and ordered to remove a video of his song "Kudos" from his social media platforms. The song was deemed to be in violation of Tanzania's cultural values and disrespectful to listeners and viewers. Harmonize was given 14 days to pay the fine and has been barred from engaging in artistic activities until further notice.
Kennedy David Sanga, the director of the "Kudos" music video, has also been fined Shilingi 5 million and prohibited from engaging in artistic activities. The video was found to be in breach of the National Arts Council's regulations, specifically the section that deals with content that is not in line with Tanzanian cultural values. Sanga was given the same penalties as Harmonize, including removing the video from social media and paying the fine within 14 days.
Avil Contractors Company Ltd, the organizer of the Miss Grand Tanzania pageant, has been fined Shilingi 3 million for conducting the event without the required permit from BASATA. The company was issued a notice on August 12, 2026, and was given 21 days to respond, but failed to do so. As a result, the company has been ordered to pay the fine and cease all artistic activities until further notice.
Another artist, Nandy, whose real name is Faustina Charles Mfinanga, has been fined Shilingi 3 million for wearing indecent clothing during a performance at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant. The incident occurred at the Haddypo hall, and Nandy admitted to the offense. She has since removed the video from her social media platforms and has been allowed to continue her artistic activities under close supervision.
Millen Prive & Co. Lifestyle Limited, the organizer of the Miss Universe Tanzania pageant, has also been fined Shilingi 3 million for its role in the incident involving Nandy's performance. The company was found to have breached the National Arts Council's regulations by allowing Nandy to wear indecent clothing during the event. The company has been issued a stern warning and has been ordered to be more vigilant in its artistic endeavors.
BASATA has urged artists and stakeholders to ensure that they adhere to the country's laws, regulations, and cultural values when engaging in artistic activities. The council has emphasized the importance of respecting Tanzanian cultural norms and values in all artistic expressions. The disciplinary actions taken against the artists and event organizers serve as a reminder of the need for compliance with the regulations.
Key points
- - BASATA has fined several artists and event organizers for violating Tanzania's artistic codes of conduct. - The penalties include fines and temporary suspensions from engaging in artistic activities. - The council has urged artists and stakeholders to adhere to the country's laws, regulations, and cultural values when engaging in artistic activities.
