KFCB Bans Embarambamba, Getumbe Songs, Orders That They Be Pulled Down

NAIROBI Kenya February 29 –

KFCB also threatens action against content creators ‘turning social media into digital brothel’

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has ordered the pulling down of artistes Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe’s latest songs, saying they have violated the Films and Stage Plays Act.

KFCB has also threatened legal action against the two local musician for spreading inappropriate content on various media platforms.

The unrated content has been deemed unsuitable for public consumption, particularly for children, according to the board.

“The song titled ‘Niko Uchi’, which is purported gospel, invites ridicule to the Christian religion, also contains nudity (and) vulgarity,” KFCB acting chief executive Nelly Muluka said.

Similarly, Getumbe’s track “Yesu Ninyandue” has drawn criticism for its blasphemous nature and potential to offend religious sensitivities.

“It has further been noted that some of the artiste’s dancing styles are violent and others present imitable behaviour, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous,” she added.

Muluka says KFCB, through its Media Monitoring Department, has received a myriad of complaints and public outcry on inappropriate audio-visual content by the artistes.

“Some of the content is being propagated as art and freedom of expression and disguised as religious songs, contravening the law, in utter disregard for the interests and safety of children and the public at large,” Muluka stated.

The songs have been deemed unpalatable and also contravene Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.

The board has further singled out religious acts by a Bishop going by the name ‘Johanna’ whom the board says is among the adults using their religious influence to “mislead the public through indecent exposure performances with sexual innuendos.”

According to KFCB, Johanna is among the religious leaders using their religious influence to mislead the public through indecent exposure performances with sexual innuendos in a religious institution where minors are likely exposed.

Henceforth, KFCB has directed that no film or class of film should be distributed, exhibited or broadcast, either publicly or privately, unless the board has examined it and issued a certificate of approval.

The Board noted that it does not wish to curtail creativity and of freedom of expression but maintained that the freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 33 of our Constitution is not absolute.

KFCB has also appealed to parents, caregivers and guardians to pay attention and to keenly monitor the content children under their care access on social media networks, broadcast channels and other platforms, and be more vigilant as their children stay home during the mid-term break.

“In cases where children have access to the internet and smart devices, parents/guardians must exercise responsibility to ensure that minors do not access inappropriate content,” she added.

KFCB also said they had issued demand letters to Embarambamba and Getumbe, instructing them to remove any inappropriate content from their respective platforms, warning that failure to comply with these directives could result in legal repercussions.

Furthermore, the KFCB has reached out to relevant media platforms, urging them to pull down the contentious and inappropriate material by the mentioned artists.