The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has responded to claims that top boy band Sauti Sol are promoting incest in their mega-hit, Suzanna.
“Sauti Sol’s hit Suzanna alias Senje should be banned by KFCB Senje is Luhya for aunt- sister of your father. How then can it be that a nephew and his aunt have a relationship? To fall in love with your father’s sister unheard of, incestuous, an abomination and illegal,” read the complaint in part.
Filed by an unknown person, the complaint went on to argue that the song in question will corrupt the youth.
READ ALSO: Ezekiel Mutua expresses disappointment with Sauti Sol’s new “Melanin” video
“Sauti Sol have lost the way on this one and should be punished. The song will corrupt the youth and should already be been proscribed. KFCB chairman Ezekiel Mutua should do the necessary,” the complaint stated.
In response, KFCB revealed that upon receiving the complaint, they did an analysis through the board's Broadcast Monitoring team and concluded that the song does not in any way promote incest.
“The Board's attention was this morning brought to this complaint in regard to the song 'Suzanna', by Sauti Sol. Further, the song's lyrics are also not in contravention of the Board's Classification Guidelines.”
“The Board's Broadcast Monitoring team has analysed the song and given it a clean bill of health on grounds that it has no classifiable elements and is therefore rated GE (General Exhibition) meaning that it's suitable for viewers of all ages,” KFCB tweeted.
While responding to the complaint, KFCB Boss Ezekiel Mutua through his Twitter account backed the decision on the song.
READ ALSO: I do not care, says Omondi in hard hitting jab aimed at Ezekiel Mutua
When Sauti Sol got wind that their song was under review, they expressed discontentment. The Extravaganza hitmakers thanked Mutua for affirming that their song was indeed suitable for all family viewing.
“So someone sent a complaint to KFCB early today that Suzanna promotes incest. But why. Thank you, Dr Ezekiel Mutua. Damn! These streets aren't safe,” reacted Sauti Sol.
This comes barely a week after ‘the moral police’ asked Gengetone group Ethic to report to KFCB offices or the nearest police station after they issued a public apology for releasing a song that seemingly promoted paedophilia.
“Now listen guys, an apology won't just wash. You will have to face the full force of the law as provided for in the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the laws of Kenya,” he said.
