The Broadcasting Complaints Tribunal of South Africa has just ruled that Zubz’s song “Get Out” from his classic album “Headphone Music in a Parallel World” incites violence and should not be publicly broadcasted.
In its ruling, the Tribunal states: "The song threatens imminent violence and is accordingly prohibited by the Broadcasting Code for Broadcasting".
It added that while artists are usually afforded special leeway with regard to freedom of expression, the general effect of the song is one of a call to action with lyrics like "tell my people fight", backed by machine gun sounds in the background.
The tribunal was especially incensed by verses such as, "Tell the oppressor get out/And tell my people fight … I’m gonna get this panga to your neck/Take what is mine today and I’ll rob you tomorrow … grab the gun … It’s time we take it back".
This is quite a blow for Zubz as it means that the song can’t be played on radio or TV.
We will be getting hold of Zubz to get his view on the matter. We at Encore however are of the belief that “Get Out” is a powerful song that aims to wake people up from their socio-politcal slumber. I doubt that Zubz expects his fans to literally pick up pangas and guns and aim them at the “oppressor”. I think the figurative message is that we as Africans should aggressively pursue economic and political freedom that we were robbed of for so many years. The political battle has sort-of been won, but now we face an even bigger battle: the economy. Well.... that's my interpretation.
We’ll however have to hear from the horse’s mouth about the song’s intention and meaning.
2 comments:
there is nothing wrong with zubz's song.he is one of those youthful intellectuals who knows his standing point as an african.
suprise
This is one of those WTF moments which displays the 'authorities'' (whoever those are) double-standards. I say he should capitalise on the ban.
Most songs which have been banned from radio have gone on to sell a whole lot
Post a Comment