Reading the local dailies in Kenya, one would think Kenyan men don’t know how to handle rejection or settle disputes with the ladies they are courting. It is unfortunate that a number of ladies have been killed, some seriously battered and fighting for their lives in hospital with the perpetrators being a man.
So the body mandated by the constitution to check and regulate films (which includes movies, music videos) the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has resorted to banning a local song, which it claims encourages violence against women.
As KFCB puts it, “The song … is characterized by crude language that objectifies women and glorifies hurting them as a normal reaction to rejection. In line with the Board’s Classification Guidelines, which forms the basis of approving or denying approval of film content, the named song has obvious elements of incitement to violence against women by using repetitious emotional phrases and misrepresented facts.”
By banning the song KFCB has made it more popular
Today, the board issued a press statement letting the public know that the song has been banned. However, if you look at what is trending on social media in Kenya today. You will see the song among the top trends.
One would rightfully argue, by banning the song the KFCB has single-handedly given the artist and the song more fame. People are going online to YouTube to watch this song that the KFCB has decided to ban.
Judging by Kenyans on Twitter reactions:
Here are some tweets by tweeps reacting to the KFCB ban.
I think this is infringement of the freedom of expression esp as an entertainer. I think its better to critisize it than to ban it. Although the songs lyriqs are sensitive n quite funny too I must say.
— Iveta Lemo (@IvetaLemo) April 16, 2019
I want to invite you to go check the song in YouTube then go the section of comments. It has over 1M viewers with many taken there by @EzekielMutua of @InfoKfcb
— PAUL OTIENO ONYANGO (@JAKADAWA) April 16, 2019
Thereby returning it our eardrums. Smh.
— Kisame (@KiziriiW) April 16, 2019
I guess @EzekielMutua is very much idle in his office
Where were you when Alvindo was doing manual jobs at Bama Meat market?
Since you wanna spoil his career do have an idea of what he should be doing to pay his bills? Btw #Takataka song is loved mostly by women for your info pic.twitter.com/GktNTj3uox— Krg The Don (@krgthedon) April 16, 2019
Kenyans are funny human beings, the moment #Takataka was banned the song goes double platinum.
But the question is, do you support this ban??#KFCBbansTakaTaka pic.twitter.com/18nyRM7Yxp
— MaryAnne Wangui (@MaryAnnWanguiKE) April 16, 2019
Who else thinks that ban on #Takataka is a blessing to alvindo in disguise???
— Morton Kings (@mortonkings1) April 16, 2019
Had to Google this one I swear! @EzekielMutua can’t you just leave us alone! Why not focus on real issues like corruption.
This directive is a joke & uncalled for! Mr.President huyu apewe kazi ingine👿👿#takataka pic.twitter.com/WMYkZlALzA— Shiro Kihoro (@shiroh_D) April 16, 2019
Looking at some of the tweets, and the fact it has been trending on social media. One would wonder shouldn’t the KFCB contacted YouTube to pull down the song before making a public announcement of its ban? The decision to make it public it is banning the song was a double-edged sword. A good number of people didn’t know about the song, but that is changing thanks to KFCB.
