Harmonize fined Ksh244K, banned from artistic activities over ‘Kudos’ video
By Valerian Khakayi, September 24, 2026Tanzanian singer Rajab Abdul Kahali, popularly known as Harmonize, has been fined Ksh244,434 and suspended from engaging in artistic activities over his ‘Kudos’ music video.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by Tanzania’s National Arts Council (BASATA), which said the singer committed an ethical offence by distributing the video, which it said did not comply with Tanzanian moral standards.
Under the decision, Harmonize has been ordered to remove the ‘Kudos’ video from his social media platforms and pay a fine of Tsh5 million, equivalent to approximately Ksh244,434, within 14 days.
“Msanii husika alituhumiwa kwa kutenda kosa la kimaadili la kusambaza video ya wimbo unaoitwa ‘Kudos’ usiyozingatia kabisa maadili ya Mtanzania, ambao unavunja heshima ya msikilizaji au mtazamaji,” BASATA said.
“Kushusha video ya wimbo ‘Kudos’ kwenye mitandao yake ya kijamii. Kulipa faini ya Shilingi Milioni Tano (Tsh 5,000,000/=) ndani ya siku 14 kuanzia tarehe ya uamuzi,” the council added.
Other penalty
BASATA also ordered him to stop engaging in artistic activities in any capacity from the date of the decision until he complies with the directives.
It further directed that Harmonize should not engage in artistic activities until he fulfils the decision.
Additionally, the council added that it had not received a defence or alternative explanation from Harmonize by the time the decision was issued.
“Hadi wakati wa kutolewa kwa uamuzi huu, BASATA haikupokea utetezi wala maelezo mbadala kutoka kwa msanii Harmonize,” the council said.
Kudos’ video director
BASATA also took action against Kennedy David Sanga, the director of the ‘Kudos’ video.
The council said Sanga was found to have committed an ethical offence by directing the video, which it said violated Tanzanian moral standards.
He was ordered to remove the video from his social media platforms, pay a Tsh5 million fine within 14 days and stop engaging in artistic activities until he complies with the decision.
Nandy fined over outfit
BASATA also sanctioned Tanzanian singer Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known as Nandy, over an outfit she wore while performing at the Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 finale at Haddypro Hall in Dar es Salaam.
The council said Nandy admitted the offence, removed the video from her social media platforms and paid a Tsh3 million (Ksh147K) fine.
She has since been allowed to continue with her artistic activities under supervision.
BASATA also fined Millen Privé & Co. Lifestyle Limited, the organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania, Tsh3 million and issued the company with a stern warning.
The council urged artists and other stakeholders to comply with laws, regulations, guidelines and Tanzanian moral standards when carrying out artistic activities.