Yasin Mukasa aka Lil Pazzo (L), with Gravity Omutujju at a recent media engagement
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Vulgarity both in act and deed no longer has a place in Uganda’s music industry, a position that has prompted the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to blacklist several local singers, with a possibility of a music ban.
It’s on this basis that Gereson Wabuya aka Gravity Omutujju and Yasin Mukasa, popularly known as Lil Pazzo face a likely ban on their music due to its vulgarity and obscenity.
“We have taken note of the concerns raised by citizens and the public outcry against the continued broadcasting and promotion of songs and other creative works that contain veiled words, statements and actions that reasonable members of society consider to be vulgar, obscene and calculated to undermine the moral and cultural values of our society,” reads part of a statement issued by UCC.
In a regulatory notice titled: “Directive not to Broadcast, Promote and / or share Vulgar, Obscene and other Prohibited Content on Televisions, Radios and Online Platforms in Uganda,” UCC said its attention has particularly been drawn to songs titled: Enkudi, Dooze, Okwepicha, Enyama, Omunio, by the aforesaid artists, which dilute societal values.
UCC has henceforth directed broadcasters to suspend the airing of the banned songs with immediate effect.
“You are therefore prohibited from broadcasting of content ‘that is contrary to public morality or contains veiled words and statements that are vulgar, obscene) and with capacity to undermine or corrupt the moral and cultural values of our society,” reads part of the statement, signed by Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director.
Yasin Mukasa aka Lil Pazzo, one of the accused musicians
“All broadcasters are reminded that effective the date of this letter, the subject songs are prohibited content, and in terms of Regulations 45 and 46 of the Content Regulations, it is an offence for any broadcaster, including individual show presenters, to broadcast prohibited content.
UCC said it shall not hesitate to criminally prosecute, and or impose regulatory sanctions on broadcasters and individuals that will defy the directives herein above.
Media practitioners have also been instructed to suspend programs that involve discussions of the banned songs and to stop airing content that contains veiled words, actions, or statements deemed vulgar or obscene.
“Failure to comply with the directive will result in regulatory sanctions, including fines and revocation of licenses,” says UCC, threatening to pursue criminal prosecution against individuals and organizations that defy the directive.
The Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, recently advised musicians to refrain from producing abusive songs in a bid to gain popularity.
Katikiro Peter Mayiga (R) pose for a photo with Lord Fred Sebatta
Speaking during the courtesy call made by Lord Fred Sebatta, at Bulange Mengo ahead of his concert on December 13, Mayiga said that instead of becoming popular, musicians tarnish their name, especially among the young generation.
The UCC directive was also copied to the heads of bodies which include the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Rural Broadcaster’s Association (RUBA), and the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC).
According to the International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, music has been one of the sources of entertainment for people, over the years, the explicitness of the music lyric content has become more evident, creating havoc in the community.
“Explicit music lyrics affect personal behavior, sexual attitude, personality, and emotions,” it says in part.
