Don seeks ban on music with offensive, poisonous content

Ini Billie, Uyo

Professor of Music Theory, Composition, and Sacred Music, Prof. Isaac Essiet Udoh has advocated for the ban of music with offensive, explicit, controversial, harmful, and poisonous content.

Speaking at the weekend as the 118th Inaugural Lecturer of the University of Uyo on the topic, “Candelabrum and Crinkum-Crankum in Music Creation: An Autopsy”, Prof. Udoh said the negative effects of such music on its audience, especially children, were devastating.

Udoh advised the public to be intentional about the kind of music content they expose themselves to, noting that media content should be analysed and its influence considered on the individual’s well-being and society as a whole.

“The decision to censor music often involves considering the potential impact on audiences, especially on children, as well as compliance with broadcasting regulations and community standards.

“My yardstick for this analysis/censoring is based on two parameters: broadcasting regulations and community standards (societal norms and values).

“In the name of censoring, I advise everyone to exercise caution and discretion when listening to music, as some may contain explicit lyrics or themes and hate speech.

“Some may promote violence, discrimination, illegal activities, immoral behaviours, and indecent dressing (especially videos).

“Also, beware of religious songs that are at variance with the scripture, the Bible – they can weaken your faith in God.

“Music creators are advised to create works that align with broadcasting rules and societal norms and values.

“Relevant agencies should ban any music whose content is considered offensive, explicit, controversial, harmful, and poisonous.

“Parents/Guardians should encourage their wards to desist from purchasing, listening to, or playing any music whose content is considered offensive, explicit, controversial, harmful, and poisonous,” he said.

He stated that the negative effects of such music and the potential impact on audiences, especially on children, are devastating.