Ezekiel Mutua bashes Ethic Entertainment over ‘Soko’ song

By Diana Anyango | 4yrs ago | 3 min read

Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has called out Kenyan music group Ethic Entertainment on their latest track Soko, on grounds that it promotes rape and prostitution.

Taking to Twitter to air his dissatisfaction, Mutua bashed Kenyan producers taking part in the distribution of immoral content in the name of Gengetone, adding that individuals in their right mind would condemn such behaviours.

“Do these perverted producers have children? How does a sane adult try to normalize rape, prostitution or paedophilia in the name of Gengetone hits? The video ‘Soko’ by Ethic is despicable immorality that should be condemned by all right-thinking people,” he wrote.

The KFCB boss’s sentiments welcomed comments from hundreds of Kenyans who suggested that strict measures be put in place to stop future production of such explicit content.

“Please, do the honours. We have kids at home during this pandemic and such songs are endangering these kids. The problem is that Ethic Entertainment can't even see where the problem is. I hereby, endorse a ban of this song,” wrote a user by the name Bravin Yuri.

Another by the name General Waitina suggested that “There should be a law whereby no music or content should be aired before approval by KFCB.”

“The boys have talent but the management is failing. From the producers to the marketing team. As media personalities, they need to be made aware of the ripple effects their songs/actions have on fellow youth. Until then, strict monitoring of their works should take place,” added BoJack Farasi.

Run-ins with KFCB

This is not the first time the music group has clashed with KFCB. Sometime last year, Dr Mutua demanded for the group’s arrest over their song Tarimbo which, according to him, advocated for rape.

“I have spoken to Google to take down the damn crap called ‘Tarimbo’ by Ethic Entertainment which advocates for the rape of women. Promoting violence against women is criminal.

“The DCI should arrest the entire bunch of musicians called Ethic, under Article 33, for going beyond the prescribed delimitations on freedom of expression by advocating for violence against women,” said the KFCB CEO.

Ethics issued an apology not long after and redid the song.

“As Ethic Entertainment, we are truly remorseful for any dolour caused by the lyrics to our single, and for every single person that was triggered to a displeasing memory or emotion by it, receive our sincere apologies. Rest assured that no disrespect was intended,” wrote Ethic.

Femi one and Mejja

Hardly a week ago, Ezekiel Mutua was on Femi one and Mejja’s case for their song, ‘Nikikupea Utawezana’ terming it as ‘immoral’.

“The perverts who are creating such obscenity like "Nikikupea Utawezana" should be ashamed of themselves. Media houses promoting such crap too are a disgrace. Artistes should be creating inspiring content to help combat COVID-19 pandemic, not promoting sexual perversion.

“Our artistes must not glorify immorality in the guise of creativity. The ‘Okonkwo Utawezana’ nonsense is a shallow, bizarre sexual perversion. There’s absolutely nothing creative there. That lady would be ashamed to sing such crap before her mother,” he wrote.

Coming to the artist’s defence, Femi one’s management asked Dr Mutua to allow artists room for creativity.

"We appreciate the work Ezekiel is doing but let artists be creative. Femi One and Mejja have managed to put a smile on the faces of not only Kenyans but that of East Africans too; considering the COVID-19 situation. This is purely entertainment," noted Kaka Empire.