‘Wamlambez’ ban divides opinion among Kenyans
When moral policeman Dr Ezekiel Mutua on Tuesday announced the ban of playing of Tetema and Wamlambez in public place, the decision was bound to draw emotive reaction, given the popularity of the two songs in Kenya.
Dr Mutua, who is the CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), decreed that the lyrics of Tetema, by Tanzanian singers Rayvanny and Diamond Platnumz, and Wamlambez, by the Sailors, can only be played in night clubs and bars, where the audience is strictly adult.
“It’s embarrassing to see even national leaders singing and dancing to the obscenity in public. The lyrics are dirty and not suitable for public consumption, especially children,” Mutua said.
And with that, Tetema and Wamlambez were effectively banned from being played in public.
Wamlambez has become immensely popular among Kenyans since it was released in April. Which explains all the varied reactions the ban has attracted from the online community.
There were those who are supporting the ban:
“Should be banned from being played anywhere in #Kenya just like #Tanzania and #Nigeria did for such dirty songs,” @ejnyamogo tweeted.
“I am a youth very young but in support… the people singing are too young to be displaying such content and disgrace. As a society we should not allow such type of music to be played all over. Its an insult to our values as a society and an exposure to immoral content,” commented @MiaKanyi
“That’s a step in the right direction. @EzekielMutua , some songs are a disgrace to the morality we hold as a society. Too low to be listened to with senior members of the society. What happened to songs that used to inform, educate and entertain?” @danyamah said.
“Shout as much as you want, but there is a reason we listen to songs from other nations and no one listens to what our ‘artists’ bring out, you can paint mediocrity but doesn’t change,” @ericmak77656928 commented.
“I was very embarrassed, gutted, disappointed… when I heard my 4 year old daughter sing Wamlambez wamnyonyez,” @OtotoHaron tweeted.
Then there are those are opposed to the ban:
“Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki,” @Muthungu9 commented.
“Mzee uko na habari hizo songs watu wameskiza kutoka lini?!! Kuteka maji ya mvua wakati kumeshamalizia kunyesha?!! @TrishNitiz tweeted.
“Its worse off kids watching corruption everyday in the headlines they may think there is a shortcut in life, ni heri wajue wamlambez kuliko kuwapea idea in life you can just get rich easily, deal na hio kwanza,” OwenHinga said.
“Tetema Hata iliisha Kitambo,” @jackmpekuzzy97 commented.
“Wamlambez brings us together,” @Marcushley said.
“Just wondering… between Kwangwaru and Tetema which one is more explicit? @KoothReyffoeg tweeted.