Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz faces restrictions in Kenya after the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) prohibited his 2018 hit Kwangwaru from being performed or taught in schools. The ban targets lyrics deemed to contain 'coded messages' and 'obscene' material, according to KFCB CEO Ezekiel Mutua.
Mutua stated the government would regulate foreign music to prevent cultural erosion, citing concerns about artists evading taxes by routing payments directly to their home countries. 'Foreign musicians who perform banned content in Kenya risk legal action,' he warned, emphasizing enforcement through collaboration with local authorities.
The decision aligns with Tanzania's 2018 ban on 13 local songs, including Platnumz's Hallelujah and Waka Waka, which President John Magufuli criticized as immoral. KFCB officials argued that such music promotes 'immorality' and undermines national values, particularly among minors.
Education leaders were instructed to prevent students from singing the track, with Mutua accusing some artists of 'collaborating with clubs to evade taxation.' The KFCB plans to audit venues hosting international performers to ensure compliance with tax and content regulations.
