Falz's 'This Is Nigeria' Has Been Banned by Nigeria's Broadcasting Commission
Wande Cole's "Iskaba" and Olamide's "See Mary, See Jesus" were also deemed too "vulgar" for radio.
The Nigerian Broadcasting Commision (NBC) has banned Falz's viral, politically-charged hit "This is Nigeria."
The song, which was released in May, blatantly calls out the Nigerian government and addresses many of the country's social ills. One line in particular "This is Nigeria, look how we living now, everybody be criminal" was deemed "vulgar" by the commission and thus "unfit for radio." The artist shared a photo of the letter on Instagram, making light of the NBC's move.
Wande Cole's 2016 banger 'Iskaba' and Olamide's 'See Mary, See Jesus' were also banned.
Why the ban for "Iskaba" in particular came so late, is unknown, a letter from the NBC entitled "Persistent Airing of Music with Vulgar and Indecent Lyrics," cited the lyrics ""Girl you de make me kolo, shaking the ass like kolo" as the reason for the ban.
How exactly the NBC makes such decisions is unclear.
Last years, the NBC was also accused of banning songs from Davido, Olamide and 9nice, though it denied that the song had been removed from airwaves.
Many online have called out the NBC on social media, because really, none of this makes sense.
This is Nigeria by Falz.. Mary and Jesus all be vulgar 😂😂😂😂😂 Herh naija dey different level of nonsense. https://t.co/2XUA4DaT9B— TR£B$ (@TR£B$)1533829986.0
NBC ban on Falz's #ThisIsNigeria is totally unjust. The song addresses the main issues we face in the country but N… https://t.co/qaLHgWQpHD— Iyá Lájè Of Lagos (@Iyá Lájè Of Lagos)1533843598.0
NBC Banned Falz's #ThisIsNigeria. This is truly Nigeria— AJALA (@AJALA)1533820390.0
NBC Ban Falz #ThisIsNigeria 🤦 Songs and Videos that are promoting social vices are there, they didn't Ban. A son… https://t.co/Um91jFSgrL— Osas Cruz (@Osas Cruz)1533823090.0
NBC banned Falz "This is Nigeria" like anyone really watches TV. Lol— KVNG (@KVNG)1533835506.0
NBC ban on Falz's #ThisIsNigeria is totally unjust. The song addresses the main issues we face in the country but N… https://t.co/qaLHgWQpHD— Iyá Lájè Of Lagos (@Iyá Lájè Of Lagos)1533843598.0