KENYA: Gay Gospel Artist Joji Baro and Rapper Noti Flow Speak Out Following the Ban on their Pro-Lesbian/Gay Song 'Same Love'
24 February 2016
About two weeks ago the song ‘Same Love’ done by Kenyan rapper Art Attack was released. But what really stole the show about the song was that much like the original song by MacLemore, it promoted same sex relationships and starring in the video were some popular artists and openly gay figures in Kenyan and across Africa.
Among them was femcee Noti Flow and openly gay gospel artist Joji Baro, who both came out in full force yesterday to express their disappointment when the Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) banned the video from airing and distribution.
In their press statement KFCB said that the ban was due to some sexually graphic scenes in the video as well as lyrics that support same sex relationships in the country.
Both Noti and Joji took issue with this decision as it landed a heavy blow in their cause. And so they took to social media and shared their grief with their fans.
“The wealthiest place on the earth is the cemetery / grave yard. The cemetery has books that were never written, the cure for AIDS and other diseases that were never discovered, dreams that were never achieved, leaders that never led, songs never sungs, its filled with potential. Die Empty, go to the grave empty. Say its finished. Go out today and use your untapped potential, never stop moving forward,” wrote gospel artist Joji Baro.
“WTF??? The Kenyan Government has banned our song ‘Same Love’, a collaborative effort between me and rapper Art Attack. The Government has also ordered the Kenyan Media NOT to distribute the song anywhere and asked Kenyans to avoid sharing or distributing the song on social media. Wow! What the hell? This is a simple song that celebrates SAME SEX rights and that acknowledges the rights of Gays and Lesbians.
“The Kenyan Government tend to neglect Kenyan Citizens n Youth on important issues like job opportunities n shit that can take the country to another level but couldn’t hesitate banning a simple song about rights of people’s sex orientations! Well… We will not be moved. We stand by our song and it’s message. Arrest us if you wish! We are Unbowed. Watch the song. *link in bio * #peace One love #rainbow,” Noti Flow wrote on her Instagram page.
Since its release the song has been watched close to 40,000 times on YouTube and no doubt after this news, more people are bound to go searching for it.
Now the question remains where do you stand?
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