Harmonize Fined KSh244,434 and Suspended Over ‘Kudos’ Music Video

Tanzanian 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 issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by Tanzania’s National Arts Council (BASATA), which found that the singer had committed an ethical offence by distributing the video.

According to BASATA, the content of the “Kudos” video did not comply with what the council described as Tanzanian moral standards and was deemed to undermine the dignity of viewers.

Harmonize Ordered to Remove Video

Under the decision, Harmonize has been directed to remove the “Kudos” music video from his social media platforms.

He has also been ordered to pay a fine of Tsh5 million, equivalent to approximately KSh244,434, within 14 days from the date of the decision.

In its statement, BASATA said the artist was accused of committing an ethical offence by distributing a music video that did not adhere to Tanzanian moral standards.

“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.

The council further directed the singer to take down the video from his social media accounts and settle the fine within the stipulated 14-day period.

Suspension From Artistic Activities

In addition to the financial penalty, BASATA ordered Harmonize to stop engaging in artistic activities in any capacity from the date of the decision until he complies with the directives.

The council said the suspension would remain in place until the singer fulfils the requirements set out in the decision.

BASATA also noted 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.

The statement does not indicate whether Harmonize has responded publicly to the decision.

Action Also Taken Against Video Director

BASATA also sanctioned Kennedy David Sanga, the director of the “Kudos” music video.

According to the council, Sanga was found to have committed an ethical offence in connection with directing the video, which BASATA said violated Tanzanian moral standards.

He was ordered to:

1. Remove the “Kudos” video from his social media platforms.
2. Pay a Tsh5 million fine within 14 days.
3. Stop engaging in artistic activities until he complies with the directives.

The action against both Harmonize and the video's director places the production under scrutiny by Tanzania's national arts regulator and underscores BASATA's stated role in enforcing ethical standards within the country's creative industry.

Harmonize, one of Tanzania's prominent Bongo Flava artists, has yet to publicly respond to the latest decision.