Tanzanian music star Rajab AbdulKahali, popularly known as Harmonize, has been suspended from participating in arts activities after the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) found him in breach of regulations over his music video “Kudos.”
The council also suspended video director Kennedy David Sanga, who was responsible for directing the controversial video.
According to a public notice issued by BASATA, both Harmonize and Sanga have been ordered to remove the “Kudos” video from their social media platforms and pay a fine of Sh245k million each within 14 days.
The suspension will remain in force until the two comply with the directives issued by the council.
BASATA cites violation of regulations
In the notice, BASATA said Harmonize was summoned over a complaint concerning the “Kudos” music video, which the council said contained material that violated the dignity of Tanzanian society.
The council cited Section 20(a) of the National Arts Council Act, Chapter 137 of 2026, alongside other provisions governing artistic activities in Tanzania.
BASATA said Harmonize had been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations but was subsequently found to have committed an offence.
Among the measures imposed on the singer are:
- Removal of the “Kudos” music video from his social media platforms.
- Payment of a Sh245k fine within 14 days from the date of the notice.
- Suspension from participating in any arts-related activities until the directives are fulfilled.
The council further warned that the suspension would continue until Harmonize takes the required corrective measures.
Video director also sanctioned
Sanga, the director behind the “Kudos” video, has also been subjected to similar disciplinary action.
BASATA stated that the director was summoned over his role in producing the video after the council determined that the content violated provisions concerning the dignity of Tanzanian society.
Like Harmonize, Sanga has been ordered to take down the video from his social media platforms and pay Sh245k within 14 days.
He has also been barred from participating in arts activities until he complies with the council’s directives.
The action means the sanctions extend beyond the performing artist to the creative professional involved in producing the visual content.
BASATA steps up enforcement of arts regulations
The action against Harmonize and Sanga forms part of a wider BASATA notice involving several individuals and organisations in Tanzania’s entertainment industry.
The notice also names Avil Contractors Company Ltd, which was involved in the organisation of the Miss Grand Tanzania competition.
BASATA said the company had failed to organise the competition without obtaining the required certificate from the council and imposed a Sh150k fine, alongside a suspension from arts activities until compliance.
The notice further mentions Tanzanian singer Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known as Nandy, over a video allegedly showing her appearing nude or in a manner BASATA said violated the dignity of Tanzanian society.
According to the notice, Nandy admitted the offence, removed the video from her social media accounts and was fined Sh150k.
BASATA said she would be allowed to continue with her artistic activities under supervision.
Millen Privé & Co. Lifestyle Limited, the organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania, was also cited over the same Nandy-related matter and fined Sh150k, with BASATA ordering the company to exercise greater care while conducting its arts-related activities.
What the suspension means for Harmonize
The directive places Harmonize under a formal restriction from participating in arts activities until he fulfils the conditions set by BASATA.
The “Kudos” controversy therefore goes beyond the removal of a music video, with the council linking compliance to the singer’s ability to participate in artistic activities in Tanzania.
The development also highlights the regulatory responsibilities faced by musicians, directors, event organisers and other players in Tanzania’s creative industry when producing or distributing content.
BASATA concluded its notice by calling on artists and other arts professionals to ensure that their work complies with laws, regulations, guidelines and the moral values of Tanzania.
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