Falz, Olamide, Wande Coal Under NBC’s Hammer
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), a body set up August 24, 1992 by Decree 38 0f 1992 to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria, has banned from being aired the songs “This Is Nigeria,” by rapper Falz, “See Mary, See Jesus,” by YBNL boss Olamide, and “Iskaba”.by Wande Coal.
The ban was made known in a letter dated August 6, 2018, and directed to the chief executive officer of Jodaj Global Communications Limited Jos and signed by National Broadcasting Commission’s zonal director (Jos), Dr Igomu Onoja.
The reason given for the ban of Falz’s “This Is Nigeria,” and Wande Coal’s “Iskaba” is the “vulgarity” of the lyrics. For rapper Olamide’s “See Mary, See Jesus,” it was the casual use of the words “Mary” and “Jesus.”
Harping on the reason for the ban of “This Is Nigeria,” the NBC wrote: ‘“This Is Nigeria” [is] laced with vulgar lyrics “This is Nigeria, look how we living now, everybody be criminal’”.
On the reason for the ban of “Iskaba,” the NBC wrote that the song has the “vulgar” lyrics: “Girl you dey make me kolo, shaking the ass like kolo.”
Both instances of vulgarity, the commission wrote, were in contravention of Section 3.6.1 and Section 3.13.2.2c (of the Broadcasting Code).
Olamide’s case was different but received the same hammer. The NBC wrote: ‘“See Mary, See Jesus” [is] “laced with casual mention of “Mary” and “Jesus” regarded as sacred by the Christian faith which contravenes Section 4.3.1.e’.
The NBC may not have realized it, but the ban just might spark the public’s curiosity and provoke even the hitherto indifferent to want to listen to the songs and find out for themselves if the ban was merited.
It is not known if the artistes, especially Falz, who is a lawyer, would challenge the ban in court. If that should happen, be sure you would hear it here first. So visit again and stay tuned for updates.
