The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has responded to concerns about the music videos released by artist Chris Embarambamba, a self-proclaimed gospel artist who has raised eyebrows every time he steps out of the studio.
In a statement on Wednesday, KFCB stated that it had taken note of Embarambamba’s songs including his latest song titled ‘Niko Uchi’ which was found to contain some unpalatable words.
Besides Embarambamba, the Classification Board also flagged a song titled ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ by an artist named William Getumbe, noting that it was blasphemous.
While analyzing Embarambamba’s latest song, KFCB noted that the video of ‘Niko Uchi’ contained nudity and vulgarity despite being framed as a gospel song.
Additionally, the body mandated to regulate films also took issue with Embarambamba’s dancing styles, stating that they pose risks and dangers if imitated by children.
“The unpalatable songs, which also contravene Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya are circulating on social media and other media platforms, eliciting sharp reactions and outcry from the public,” the statement read in part.
“It has further been noted that some of the artist’s dancing styles are violent and others present imitable behaviour, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous.”
KFCB pushes Embarambamba to delete songs
In addition, KFCB has written a demand letter to Embarambamba and Getumbe of ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ asking them to pull down any inappropriate content from their various platforms, failure to which, they will face the law in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.
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The Board, according to the statement, has also written to relevant platforms asking them to pull down the inappropriate content by Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe.
Further in its statement, KFCB expressed its concerns about video clips shared on social media platforms depicting a man named Bishop Johanna in some acts described by many as indecent.
The ‘Bishop’ had sparked a public outcry after a video showing him in an apparent exorcism session with a female believer went viral with Kenyans from different quarters calling him out.
Appeal to parents and guardians
According to KFCB, members of the public who contributed to making the video circulate were only making the situation worse. The Board noted that adults should be gatekeepers and have a role in protecting children from exposure to harmful content.
“It is more appalling that adults who should be gatekeepers in protecting children to exposure of harmful content are taking lead in circulating these inappropriate videos,” the Board stated.
While insisting that it is not out to curtail creativity and of freedom of expression, the Board insisted that freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 33 of the Constitution is not absolute.
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The Board went on to appeal 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, the morality regulator urged parents and guardians to exercise responsibility to ensure that minors do not access inappropriate content.
Lifetime Ban Looms
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua lauded the move, emphazing the need for artists to produce clean content.
“Embarambamba and Getumbe obnoxious content will be deleted from social media. MCSK has also initiated the process of deregistering the two from the Society. If the resolution by a recent special AGM is upheld, the two will not be members of MCSK and will not earn any royalties for FIVE years.
Repeat offence will earn them a life ban! We must get rid of this madness and restore sanity. Thank you KFCB for acting,” said Dr. Mutua.
Chris Embaramba has often found himself trending for the wrong reasons, in most cases due to his controversial music videos. In the recent past, the musician has released tracks including ‘Yesu Nimwagie’, ‘Panua’, ‘Nataka Nikuingize’- which have all been criticized as a promotion of vulgarity and explicit content under the guise of gospel music.
His dancing styles, although some may interpret it as a show of his zeal and energy, have also been questioned over fears they might cause harm to himself or even his audience.