This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Kenya's Moral Cop Bans Crude Break-Up Song 'Takataka' ¶
On August 7, 2019, Kenya's Film Classification Board (KFCB) took a bold step by banning a song called 'Takataka' for its crude language and objectification of women.
The song, produced by FastCash Music Group and performed by Alvin aka Alvindo, had gained a million views on YouTube in just three months, despite its off-putting content.
However, the song's popularity was short-lived, as authorities deemed it offensive to women and blacklisted it with immediate effect.
According to KFCB CEO Ezekiel Mutua, the song is characterized by crude language that objectifies women and glorifies hurting them as a normal reaction to rejection of overtures by men.
"The song is primitive and abusive to our sensibilities as a people and cannot be condoned," Mutua said at a press conference held at the Board offices in Nairobi.
He also noted that the song was never submitted to the board for classification in the first place, and that the board was scrupulous in following the process allowed by the Law to have a watertight case against such content.
As a result, the song has been taken down from all online platforms, and the artist, Alvin, has been summoned by the Board and given a two-week ultimatum to appear before the board failure to which legal action will be taken against him.
The artist will also risk revoking of his membership in any of the three Content Management Organizations (CMOs) including the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, Kenya Association of Music producers and Performing Rights Society of Kenya.
Other than live performers, TV and radio, the restraint is extended to social media platforms as well.
