The National Arts Council (Basata) in Tanzania has imposed fines totalling Sh19 million on musicians Harmonize and Nandy, a music video director, and two event organisers for breaching ethical and regulatory requirements governing the country's arts industry. The fines were issued following separate cases involving the distribution of a music video, a performance at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final, and the organisation of an arts event without the required permit.
Harmonize, a Bongo Flava musician, and music video director Kennedy David Sanga were each fined Sh5 million over the video for Harmonize's song 'Kudos'. Basata ruled that the video violated Regulation 20(a) of the National Arts Council Regulations, which covers content that violates the dignity of listeners or viewers. Both Harmonize and Sanga were ordered to remove the video from their social media platforms and refrain from engaging in artistic activities until they complied with Basata's decision.
Singer Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known as Nandy, was fined Sh3 million over her attire during a performance at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final. Basata stated that Nandy's clothing was not considered decent and violated the dignity of viewers. However, unlike Harmonize and Sanga, Nandy admitted to the offence, removed the video from her social media platforms, and paid the fine, allowing her to continue with her artistic activities under Basata's supervision.
The Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 final incident also resulted in a Sh3 million fine against Millen Privé & Co. Lifestyle Limited, the event organiser. Basata held the company responsible for allowing the alleged ethical violation to occur during the event and ordered it to pay the fine within 14 days.
Avil Contractors Company Ltd, the organiser of Miss Grand Tanzania, received a Sh3 million fine for holding the competition without an event permit from Basata. The company was served with a notice of the alleged offence on August 12, 2026, but failed to submit its defence within the given timeframe. Basata ordered the company to pay the fine and refrain from engaging in artistic activities until it complied with the decision.
The fines were part of Basata's efforts to ensure that artists and stakeholders in the creative industry comply with the laws, regulations, guidelines, and ethical standards governing artistic activities in Tanzania. According to Basata's acting executive secretary, Edward Buganga, the measures aimed to promote compliance and respect for Tanzanian society's values and ethics.
The five cases brought the total value of fines imposed by Basata to Sh19 million, with additional restrictions applied in cases where those sanctioned had yet to comply with its decisions. The council's enforcement action demonstrated its commitment to upholding the country's arts regulations and protecting the dignity of listeners and viewers.
Key points
- Basata fines Harmonize and Nandy Sh19 million for breaching Tanzania's arts regulations.
- The fines were imposed for separate cases involving a music video, a performance, and an event without a permit.
- The sanctions aimed to promote compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing Tanzania's arts industry.
