The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has come out to condemn controversial gospel musician, Embarambamba for his ‘indecent’ music videos.
On Monday, March 4, KFCB directed Embarambamba to remove all music videos from his YouTube channel and other social media platforms within the next two days, as per their prior demand notice.
Failure to comply will result in further legal action against the singer.
Additionally, Embarambamba was instructed to submit all his music videos to KFCB for examination and classification to ensure age appropriateness.
Furthermore, he must obtain a filming license before undertaking any new productions.
The statement highlighted Embarambamba’s alleged violations of Sections 4 (Part II) and 12 of Cap 222, pertaining to the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution, and exhibition of audio-visual content in Kenya.
Specific concerns were raised regarding the use of vulgarity, nudity, indecency, and violent dancing styles in his music videos, notably in the song “Niko Uchi.”
The Kisii-based musician, Embarambamba isn’t the first artiste to encounter the Kenyan music regulatory body.
Here are several others artistes:
1: Ethic
In 2019, Gengetone group Ethic found themselves in trouble upon releasing ‘Tarimbo’.
Following its release, they faced a wave of backlash and accusations suggesting that the song promoted rape and violence against women.
Former Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua swiftly called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action against them.
He also urged Google to remove the song from YouTube, a request that was promptly honored.
The public outcry from netizens compelled Ethic to issue a public apology, clarifying that their intention was not to disrespect women or condone violence or rape.
The video was eventually taken down from YouTube.
2: Timmy TDat
Wembe hitmaker, Timmy TDat pulled down ‘Vitamin U’, a song that featured his rumored Tanzanian girlfriend Rosa Ree.
The music video had nude scenes and explicit content that made YouTube restrict the song. It made it unavailable to audiences with a restricted mode on.
Many netizens had termed the music video as pornographic and obscene.
Timmy had to upload an edited version of the song with most nude and explicit parts blurred. He later disclosed that he had deleted the song for Rosa Ree since it landed her in trouble with the Tanzanian Authorities.
Earlier on, Moral policeman, Ezekiel Mutua had written to Google asking them to delete the song alongside Ethic’s Tarimbo.
3: Alvindo
Alvindo removed his song ‘Takataka’ from YouTube following a police manhunt initiated after Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of the Kenya Films and Classifications Board (KFCB), banned its broadcast and DJ play, citing its degrading lyrics that equated women to trash and advocated violence against them. Mutua declared the dissemination of the song a criminal offense punishable by arrest.
However, tensions eased when Alvindo voluntarily presented himself to the KFCB. Following a meeting between the two parties, a statement from the regulatory body revealed a mutually agreeable resolution.
Both parties agreed that while no further action would be taken against Alvindo, ‘Takataka’ would be removed from all online platforms.
The controversial song was a tribute to Alvindo’s ex-girlfriend, who had blocked him on social media.
4: Sauti Sol
In 2018, Ezekiel Mutua imposed a ban on the Sauti Sol video “Melanin,” prohibiting its broadcast on any channel between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Mr. Mutua justified his decision in a statement, citing the unsuitability of the song for general family viewing.
This wasn’t the first time the group faced such censorship. In 2014, their song “Nishike,” which propelled them to prominence, also encountered a ban from media airing.
The brazenly sexual nature of the “Nishike” video led to its prompt prohibition by numerous stations across Kenya.
5: Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize’
Ezekiel Mutua extended the ban to include the popular song “Kwangwaru” by Harmonize and Diamond in 2019.
Addressing a gathering in Mombasa, Mutua firmly stated his stance against allowing Diamond and other foreign artists whose music has been prohibited in their home countries to perform in Kenya.
He emphasized that the content of “Kwangwaru” undermines the country’s cultural and moral values.
“There will be no tolerance for the performance or promotion of cryptic music that young children cannot comprehend,” Mutua clarified.
He warned that strict measures would be taken against anyone found playing such songs for children in Kenya.
