Ethic Entertainment released a new jam recently by the name Tarimbo and a section of the Kenyan community wasn’t too pleased by the contents of the song. Ethic fraternity is not new to controversy as some quarters have condemned them for preferring to create what can be considered as vulgar music. Others believe that what Ethic is doing is within their right, and they should be left to continue entertaining us.
Image: nation.co.ke
Source: UGC
Since Ethic rose to fame, they have been releasing one club banger after another. However, in that duration, someone else was also overworking — moral cop Ezekiel Mutua. It is not the first time we hear Ezekiel Mutua having a problem with either the perceived dirty lyrics in Ethic’s songs or the “p*rnography” depicted in their videos. It will be yet another topic to debate about for the next couple of weeks as Kenyans remain divided on the way forward in such situations.
It is argued that art should be embraced in its raw form without being distorted. An artist should be given the room to create and then share their creation. It is how music should be. People will translate things differently, and so people shouldn’t be quick to judge songs based on their subjective interpretation. Does it sound like the debate has just begun? Well, let’s focus on what you need to know about the Tarimbo ban and the fans’ reactions.
What is Ethic Entertainment’s Tarimbo all about?
Tarimbo by Ethic is just the latest among many songs that have raised questions about the morality and character of the Kenyan youth. The song brings centre-stage topics deemed to be essential to the youth. Some of the things addressed by the song include sex and alcohol. Such songs have become more preferred even in clubs and parties where young people frequent.
In a generation where they glorify sex with multiple partners and alcohol is the drink of choice to quench thirst, it shouldn’t come as a surprise therefore that songs such as Tarimbo are the order of the day. The song has sexual connotation from the onset with the first verse implying that if a guy doesn’t like the character of a girl, then the guy should beat her and have unprotected sex with her even if she does not consent to it.
It goes to say all kinds of naughty things done to sleep with a girl such as spiking drinks with drugs or wearing a mask and doing it by force. The only theme in this song is the dominant sex in which a girl is not given the option to choose whether she wants or not. The song’s lyrics are done in sheng, which makes it difficult for some of us to understand what it means, but it shouldn’t be that hard to get a rough idea.
Image: nation.co.ke
Source: UGC
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Why Tarimbo was banned
Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) under the leadership of Ezekiel Mutua, has made it their mission to safeguard the morals of the country. As a result, they have been hawk-eyed when it comes to the kind of content displayed in media be it a movie or song. It is not the first time a song is being banned in the country, but in recent times it appears that the KFCB has intensified on cracking down on content deemed unfit for the Kenyan consumers, especially children.
Tarimbo happens to be one of the songs Kenya Film Classification Board has found an issue with. There is no hidden meaning in this song because its lyrics are as clear as the day is from the night. The artists seem to be glorifying rape and all forms of violence against women. The song caught many by storm sweeping them off their minds and driving them crazy. Many took to social media to condemn Ethic for the song, but others came out in support of the group.
Ethic can rest assured that they do not have a fan in Ezekiel Mutua. He recently called for the arrest of the group because their music is promoting violence against women. Specifically, Mutua accused the group of advocating for the rape of women. It is a serious issue that seems to have gotten out of hand. Had it been a few n*de scenes in the video, perhaps Mutua’s concerns could have been brushed aside but the approach taken in this song will not go well with many.
Ezekiel Mutua sites Article 33 of the constitution that touches on freedom of expression. He argues that Ethic has gone beyond the prescribed delimitations of that freedom since they have advocated for violence against women and for that they should face the necessary consequences. Ethic Tarimbo ban is anchored on this premise, and KFCB has asked Google and YouTube to bring it down from their platforms.
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Fans’ reactions
Although we often say that such topics divide Kenyans right in the middle, Tarimbo by Ethic seems to have put more weight on those opposed to the song rather than those who are defending it. Surprisingly, many of those who supported the song did so not because the song is not immoral but because they think that if this source of income is taken away from the youth, they will resort to crime and drugs.
Many people took to various social media platforms to register their sentiments against the song. When Ezekiel Mutua broke the news that Google had confirmed Tarimbo will no longer be available on YouTube to users with restricted mode turned on, these were some of the reactions on Facebook and Twitter:
This is the results of ajobless nation…idle minds just think of sexual stuff that’s why such content is exciting to many, said Eric Delano said.
This is just a reflection of our society. Our leaders are corrupt and our education system is cr*p. If our education system would have been supportive towards talents I think youth would not just sing to be trending or to earn money, said Abdirahmaan Haaji Bashir.
Livingstone Ouma there is much more dirtier songs from Jamaica and West compared to what you are talking about. Google cannot block them, they simply told him to go f*** himself, said Smart Solo.
My challenge to you Ezekiel Mutua drop their song or even arrest them but give them a job. What you trying to do is justifying something that is unseen. You are trying so hard to take us down as youths. We are the future Your Excellency so please consider what damage you will be doing to this young people instead of supporting them, said Rapp King.
On their part, Ethic took to Facebook as well and urged their fans to keep sharing the song which had 300,000 views by then. Some of the fans reactions about Ethic new song from the post include:
Keep it ethic that sit should be given to youth not to older people who don’t understand us, said Bobbla D Muthomi.
Majamaa mko na responsibilty si lazima kila wimbo yenu ikue about sex produce something, said Irie Rasta.
Si Huskuamanga Magithaa Sio Madakika Kama Huyo “mutua”na Ju Ye Hudaingi Na Akidai Tnampiganga Matarimbo . Ikwa Anachokiwa Na Gas Ya ETHIC Ahame Kenya Basi, said Alex Mwash.
Ethic Entertainment has made their case with their new song Tarimbo, and now opinion court has to make the call. It appears though that many Kenyans want Ethic to move from the sexual content in their songs and start singing about other useful content because they have huge responsibilities on their shoulders. Following the Ethic Tarimbo ban, hopefully, we will see less explicit content from the talented group.
READ ALSO: Kenya’s moral police Ezekiel Mutua asks google to pull down Ethics new song Tarimbo
