Public uproar after Exekiel Mutua’s ban on Tetema and Wamlambez hit anthems
Media ethics’ chief-whip, Ezekiel Mutua, has time and again assured Kenyans and any external parties involved that ethics and sanity in media and music content must be observed.
Now, the KFCB Boss has issued a ban on Tanzania’s Tetema and Kenya’s Wamlambez hit songs, just as they hit the glass ceiling.
Through Twitter, the Board’s chief executive yesterday made the announcement public showing his utter disappointment to the fact that even political leaders were dancing to the tunes.
He articulates:
Tetema and Wamlambez songs are strictly forbidden outside of clubs and bars. It’s embarrassing to see even national leaders singing and dancing to the obscenity in public. The lyrics are dirty and not suitable for public consumption, especially children. @InfoKfcb
Tetema and Wamlambez songs are strictly forbidden outside of clubs and bars. It's embarrassing to see even national leaders singing and dancing to the obscenity in public. The lyrics are dirty and not suitable for public consumption, especially children. @InfoKfcb
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) August 27, 2019
Further adding:
Both songs are pure pornography. While we may not ban them because they are coded, it’s important for the public to know that they are dirty and unsuitable for mixed company. Let them be restricted to clubs, for adults only! @InfoKfcb
Both songs are pure pornography. While we may not ban them because they are coded, it's important for the public to know that they are dirty and unsuitable for mixed company. Let them be restricted to clubs, for adults only! @InfoKfcb
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) August 27, 2019
Background
‘Tetema’ is a song by bongo flava artists, Diamond and Rayvanny that has gone viral since its release in February this year.
‘Wamlambez’ is Kenya’s own born and bred by the famous ‘Sailors gang’. Currently having already hit the rooftop after spreading like wild fire to International levels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilnOAwKuZLQ
Lest we forget, just April this year, the same thing happened to hit anthem ‘Takataka’ that was deemed explicit and demeaning towards the female gender. Also, a platform advocating for violence against women.
Dr Ezekiel Mutua (left) and ‘Takataka’ singer Alvindo (right)
Dr Willy Mutunga
The ban on ‘Tetema’ and ‘Wamlambez’ viral anthems has ignited mixed reactions from individuals to high-ranking personalities in the political arena.
Kenya’s former Chief Justice, Dr Willy Mutunga slammed the move by the KFCB CEO terming it as a barrier to today’s ‘youth vibe’.
Kenya’s former Chief Justice, Dr Willy Mutunga
He tweeted:
Wacha vijana wacheze bwana! Wewe endelea kucheza Twist na Kung Fu!
Wacha vijana wacheze bwana! Wewe endelea kucheza Twist na Kung Fu!
— Dr Willy M Mutunga, Chief Justice, Kenya (2011-16) (@WMutunga) August 27, 2019
Mixed reactions
Kenyans took it to task through the hashtag #wamlambez to express their views airing:
When Society defends the out rightly immoral it is a sign that our conscience is dead. It is a horrible place to be in as a Country. Though late good work Mr Mutua.
Well its not coded. You’re just too old to understand it
The songs are coded for a reason, but you are here revealing the actual meaning of the songs to the public. So who should be banned?
You have my vote brother Ezekieli. Filth is everywhere and any little effort done to tame it is welcome.
Lakni shida ya huyu msee hukua wapi ???? aimbe rumba basi
Are you we….we are the public and we are not complaining infact we love the song #wamlambez
This people in power amaze me ???? mlikosa kuprovide job opportunities for the youth and then the youth decided to use their talents to earn and fend for themselves. Create these employment opportunities first and stop complaining about local music and see what the youth can do.
WE LOVE THE SONG INFACT WAMLAMBEZ WAMYONYEZ SHOULD BE A NATIONAL ANTHEM
We have already consumed the song has spreaded like hale fear, it s too late. Dr. Ezekiel y dont u b KEBs but the songs have clear heart bits. & lyrincs.
@EzekielMutua its a good move as much as it has taken a while for this action.
Ulikuwa wapi since hizi songs zitolewe, there are so many songs in the airwaves that are corrupting our kids morals already, what are you doing. Ban them all!!!!!!