Kenya Film and Classification Board bans popular song 'Taka Taka'

It was only a matter of time before Kenyan authorities followed the example set by Tanzanian authorities in banning music they deem unfit for the masses.

The Kenya Film and Classification Board has decided to ban the song, ‘Taka Taka’ due to its obscene and degrading lyrics that advocate for violence against women by equating them to trash.

The ban comes a few days after the news of several women being killed and others being injured by their partners for one reason or another. The statement read:

As a Board, we note with great concern that the recent past has been characterized by numerous deaths of girls in love triangles. It is regrettable that such incidences are fanned to fame by media content such as this. Men must learn to respect female members of society. The song is characterized by crude language that objectifies women and glorifies hurting them as a normal reaction to rejection.

The statement added that the Board noted that the song was not submitted for examination and classification. As such, it contravenes Section 12 (2) of the Films and Stage Plays Act. Some lyrics were also quoted from the controversial song.

They are:

Nakuroga unakufa…Roho chafu kama ya shetani…Nakuja Kwa mazishi yako kukula na kukunywa nikucheke ukizikwa.

The song has over 1 million views online already. This ban means that it has to be taken down from all online platforms and cannot be played on free to air T.V. Not only that, even clubs or entertainment spots are not allowed to play the song.

The board which is led by Ezekiel Mutua further ordered that the singer called Alvin should avail himself at the KFCB offices within 14 days otherwise he shall be prosecuted. At the time of writing this article, the song was still up on Youtube.

Do you agree with the board banning the song?