The Uganda National Cultural Center (UNCC)and Buganda Kingdom have banned the air play of “vulgar music” of the controversial musicians Gereson Wabuyu popularly known as Gravity Omutujju, and Mukasa Yasin also known as Lil Pazo Lunabe due to concerns over Vulgar content in their songs.
The Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga released a statement banning the vulgar songs of the two musicians from being aired on Buganda media platforms including CBS 88.8FM, CBS89.2 Emmanduso and the kingdom’s television BBS Teerefayina.
This comes following the public outcry over the obscene and vulgar language used by the artists in their songs. This has forced the Katikiro to pass a decree banning their songs like Okwepicha and Omonyongo by Gravity and Lili Pazo Enkudi and Ensujju songs.
In a related development, the UNCC had earlier summoned the artist to go and discuss on the allegations of the vulgar language used in their songs on Monday 9, December, 2024 . Both artists failed to comply and didn’t attend the organised session.
Following their failure to comply the UNCC’s Phina Mugerwa also known as Phina Masanyalaze said, “in the capacity of our mandate, which is to preserve, promote and popularize art and culture locally and internationally. I am delighted to invite you for a meeting scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024 at National Theatre at 10:00am.”
She emphasized that the purpose of this meeting is to engage in a dialogue regarding the “vulgar content” associated with their works, including Gravity’s songs like “Okwepicha,” “Enyama,” “Doozi,” and his latest release “Omunio,” as well as Lil Pazo Lunabe’s tracks “Enkudi” and “Ensuju.”
Their songs have been widely criticized for promoting obscenity and deteriorating societal values. Despite being invited to the dialogue, both artists failed to attend and offered no official apologies. However, representatives from various institutions, including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), participated, enabling the meeting to proceed as scheduled.
The UNCC has taken a decisive proposition against the increasing obscenity in Music content of Uganda, the two artists have been banned from performing anywhere in the country.
Below are some of the resolutions from UNCC dialogue, and these included;
- Blacklist for Performances: Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo have been blacklisted from performing live or on stage until further investigations are concluded.
- Ban on Explicit Songs: Broadcasters have been directed to stop airing songs such as Enkudi, Dooze, Ok Wepticha, Enyama, and Omunio.
- Broader Scrutiny: Other artists, including Gloria Bugie, Shakira Shakira, and Rita Dancehall, who are known for their provocative performances and attire, have also been flagged for further scrutiny.
- Investigations by Authorities: The Uganda Police Force (UPF), the Pornography Control Committee (PCC), and UCC will investigate these artists. Should evidence of illegal content or behavior be found, they will face prosecution under relevant laws, including the Anti-Pornography Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Uganda Communications Act.
- Dress Code Regulations: Female performers and artists are mandated to dress appropriately on stage. Artists who fail to comply will not be allowed to perform at public events.
- Cultural Interpretation of Content: Ambiguous terms in music or theatrical works must be evaluated by cultural institutions or language experts to ensure they align with Uganda’s cultural norms.
