The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has banned 18 popular songs and music videos from airing because of concerns over vulgar lyrics and obscene visuals.
Among the artists and songs forbidden from receiving any airplay are American rapper Ace Hood’s “Bugati” featuring Future and Rick Ross, singer Omarion’s “Post to Be” with Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda.” The government body, which regulates Nigeria’s broadcast industry, stamped the chart-topping hits with the “NTTB,” or “Not To Be Broadcast,” label last month.
The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, known in Nigeria by its acronym NBC, also barred hit songs by local musicians including “Fans Mi” by American-born Nigerian artist Davido featuring American rapper Meek Mill. In a memo titled “Not To Be Broadcast (NTTB) List of July 2015,” the government-owned agency banned “Fans Mi” from air because it promoted violence, drug trafficking, a flashy lifestyle and indecent exposure. However, the songs will remain on cable channels such as Hip TV, MTV Base and Soundcity, and they will still be played in Nigerian night clubs and on websites..
Miley Cyrus performs her Bangerz Tour live at Perth Arena Oct. 23, 2014, in Perth, Australia. The American artist’s song “Wrecking Ball” was banned from air in Nigeria in 2013. Paul Kane/Getty Images
Popular Nigerian hip-hop singer Naeto C reacted to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission on Facebook after the government-owned body banned his “Tony Montana.” The rapper posted on Facebook the disclaimer shown in the music video to reaffirm the scenes were fictional and not actual violence.
“This video is a work of fiction created for your viewing pleasure and in no way promotes violence or the use of firearms,” Naeto C apparently wrote on Facebook.
Other Nigerians have said thaeto Ce commission should implement a censoring system rather than outright banning songs. This is not the first time the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has axed foreign jams in the West African country. The parastatal organization barred “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus, “Pour It Up” by Rihanna and “Birthday Song” by 2 Chainz featuring Kanye West for “obscene lyrics or visuals” in 2013. [myad]
