Harmonize Breaks Silence on BASATA's Kudos Video Fine

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Tanzanian star Harmonize has spoken publicly for the first time about the penalty he received over the music video for his song "Kudos". In an interview with BBC's This Is Africa , the singer said the decision by the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) had left him disappointed, but that he blamed no one and was ready to do whatever it takes to settle the matter. "I was disappointed kind of like, but at the end of the day I know we're growing together so we're gonna be better. So I don't blame anybody," he said, according to TNX Africa. What BASATA decided BASATA ruled that the "Kudos" video contained content that violated the dignity of viewers and went against the ethical standards expected of Tanzanian artists. K24 Digital reports that the council cited Regulation 20(a) of the National Arts Council Regulations, saying the video contained scenes that failed to observe Tanzanian moral standards. The penalty at a glance Fine: TSh5 million (about KSh240,000) Payment window: 14 days Order to remove the video from his social media platforms Suspension from artistic and music activities until he complies The video's director, Kennedy David Sanga, was fined TSh5 million separately and given the same orders BASATA said Sanga had committed an ethical offence by directing content that violated the values expected of Tanzanian artists, TNX Africa reports. Like the singer, he was told to take the video down, pay within 14 days and pause his artistic work until the decision was carried out. "I'm a man of peace" Asked whether he would apologise or pay the fine to bring the dispute to an end, Harmonize said he was willing to take whatever steps would help. "I'll do everything that's going to bring a peace. I'm a man of peace," he said. He explained that respect for his country was the reason he stayed quiet when the penalty was first announced. "I'm very, very, very respectful when it comes to my country, when it comes to my government as well. Just wanna see us win. Don't wanna separate," he told the programme. K24 Digital quotes him adding: "That is why when I was fined I never said anything." Cardi B, Zanzibar and a wider audience The singer also gave his side of the creative argument. He said he had not expected the video to draw a penalty, and that he saw the scenes as part of a search for new angles that could carry his music beyond Tanzania . "If I do not shoot that kind of music video and put it on social media, because as a musician I have to look for a different angle of the world. If I do not, others are going to do it," he said, according to K24 Digital. He pointed to American rapper Cardi B as an example of an artist whose provocative visuals are widely shared online, suggesting the reaction at home may reflect material that some audiences "have never seen before". He also defended the outfits in the video by pointing to Zanzibar. "Zanzibar is the biggest island in Africa. And when you go there, people wear it like that even on the beach," he said. Still, he admitted the episode had cost him. "The impact is that it was not good for me because we are trying to take our music to another stage, so we have to relate with the outer audiences," he said. Part of a wider crackdown Harmonize was not the only figure in BASATA's sights. TNX Africa reports that the council fined five artists and entertainment industry players a combined TSh19 million in the same round of action. Who was fined Harmonize – TSh5 million over the "Kudos" video Kennedy David Sanga, director – TSh5 million over the same video Singer Nandy – TSh3 million over an outfit worn at Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 The organiser of Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 – TSh3 million over the same outfit Avil Contractors Company Ltd – TSh3 million for holding Miss Grand Tanzania without a BASATA event permit BASATA said the measures were meant to ensure compliance with Tanzania's laws, regulations and ethical standards. The case is a reminder of how closely the regulator watches content in one of East Africa's biggest music markets, home to Bongo Flava stars such as Diamond Platnumz . Tanzanian acts have been touring widely this year, including the Kampala stop we covered on Diamond Platnumz and The Ben's Retro Tour . What's next The key question is whether Harmonize pays the fine and removes the video, which under BASATA's ruling would allow him to return to artistic activities. Neither source reports that the fine has been paid or that the suspension has been lifted. His comments suggest he wants a quiet resolution rather than a public fight. We will update this story if BASATA or the singer's team confirm the next step. Sources: TNX Africa | K24 Digital