Kenya's immediate former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga is among Kenyans who came out guns blazing after Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) declared that the hit song and cultural phenomenon 'Wamlambez' by Sailors Gang should only be played in bars and clubs.
" Wacha vijana wacheze bwana! Wewe endelea kucheza Twist na Kung Fu! " Mutunga wrote to Mutua on Twitter, telling him to let the youth dance.
Wacha vijana wacheze bwana! Wewe endelea kucheza Twist na Kung Fu!
— Dr Willy M Mutunga, Chief Justice, Kenya (2011-16) (@WMutunga) August 27, 2019
He referenced 'Kung Fu' and 'Twist', dance styles that were popular in Kenya in the 70's and 80's.
Mutua had announced that Wamlambez and Diamond Platinumz' Tetema could not be banned as the lyrics were coded but urged against playing it in public.
Tetema and Wamlambez songs are strictly forbidden outside of clubs and bars. 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. @InfoKfcb
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) August 27, 2019
The move predictably led to Mutua being trolled by Kenyans online for the rest of the day.
His stint at KFCB has earned him the 'moral police' tag, with critics accusing him of banning everything that offends his personal beliefs. Mutua, however, maintains that he is on a mission to protect 'national values'.
Both songs are pure pornography. While we may not ban them because they are coded, it's important for the public to know that they are dirty and unsuitable for mixed company. Let them be restricted to clubs, for adults only! @InfoKfcb
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) August 27, 2019
Sailors, made up of Miracle Baby, Shalkido, Masilver, Lexxy Yung and QoqosJuma are among the most in demand acts on the Kenyan scene at the moment.
They followed up their debut smash 'Wamlambez' with singles such as 'Pekejeng' and 'Queen B' which found their way to the top of the charts as well.