Censorship Board Reiterates Stance On Shari’a As Group Advocates Artists’ Rights

The Kano State Censorship Board has reiterated its stance and commitment to the rules, establishing them and calling on all artists to register with it and be guided by the socio-religious heritage of the state.

The call was made by the executive secretary of the board, Abba Al-Mustapha, yesterday in Kano while delivering an address at a special stakeholders’ engagement organised by Unchained Vibes Africa.

While making his presentation, Unchained Vibes Africa, through its executive producer, Ayodele Ganiyu, also made recommendations to the board, calling on it to change its name to Classification Board.

“The word censorship is paradoxical and should be changed. It should not be used as a weapon for oppressing others who might protest against some societal misdoings.

“We recommend renaming the Kano State Censorship Board to Kano State Classification Board.

“Also, Hisbah is embracing moral station with artists as against the use of force,” he stated.

He further lamented the way some artists are suppressed by the authorities without due legal processes while calling on the artists to exercise their rights to protest peacefully in their contents.

On his side, the board’s executive secretary explained that it is saddled with the responsibility of putting an eye on the artists to ensure they do not violate societal values in their content.

“Our board is saddled with the responsibility of regulating and checking all affairs related to filmmaking, music and literary works.

“Some sets of guidelines will guard the practitioner or the artist that wants to engage in any artistic work in Kano State.

“It is the people of Kano who called for Shari’a, and by our rules, their works will not be arbitrary to our traditions, religion, and culture. We work harmoniously with all the artists. This will avoid blasphemy, slander and vulgar language,” he stated.

The stakeholder engagement also advocates peacefully protesting against socio political problems and promoting meaningful content.

These are achieved through production, events, capacity building and cultural exchange.