Kenya’s sensational band Sauti Sol has become the latest “victims” of the wrath of Dr Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), following the release of their new video “melanin” on Thursday, which he terms as “gross and objectifies women under the guise of black beauty”.

Ezekiel Mutua took to Twitter to express his disapproval of the melanin video also condemned Sauti sol for flouting the law since the band released the video without submitting the video for classification in line with Section 17 of the Film and Stage Plays Act Cap222.

MELANIN VIDEO NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

The melanin video as the name suggests showcases the skin and bodies of African women explicitly, which KFCB maintains is an adult theme hence the video should be rated.

“A band of Sauti Sol’s stature should be in the forefront in following the law and even warning consumers of their content that the video should not be accessed by children as it explores an adult theme,” Ezekiel Mutua said.

 “Considering the risk of children being exposed to unsuitable content in the video, the Board demands that Sauti Sol must immediately submit the video for classification in line with Section 17 of the Film and Stage Plays Act Cap222,” he said.

“WE HAVE NOT BANNED SAUTI SOL VIDEO” – KFCB

KFCB in a press statement has however maintained that it has not banned the melanin video by Sauti Sol contrary to reports circulating online.

“We wish to clarify that contrary to misleading claims, the KFCB has not banned the music video. However, the Board has received a deluge of public concerns and complaints on its appropriateness for children,”

The statement further warns media houses against airing the melanin video during the watershed period.

“The Board will not hesitate to take action against any broadcaster or exhibitor who shows the video during the watershed period and/or in establishments where children are at risk of viewing it,”

By the time this article was published the new Sauti Sol song Melanin, featuring feat Patoranking had 530,884 views and 17K likes on You-Tube.