[Entertainment] Falz Threatens To Sue NBC Over Ban On ‘This is Nigeria’

Multiple award-winning music artiste, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, has threatened to sue the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, over the ban of his hit song: ‘This is Nigeria’.

The NBC had banned the song for allegedly containing vulgar words and even fined a radio station in Plateau state for playing it.

Falz, who had earlier shared a copy of the letter from the NBC, said he felt it was ridiculous for the commission to ban the song, arguing that it was not a vulgar song but a socially-conscious piece of art which addresses the current issues in the country.

He also stated that he does not know if there was any conspiracy to ensure that the song never enjoyed airwaves, but he was aware that the song could have hit the nerves of certain people.

Falz added that his lawyers will be investigating why his song was banned with a view to seeking redress in court, if need be.

In an Interview with Saturday Vanguard, Falz said; “There is absolutely nothing vulgar about the song and I think it is ridiculous that the Nigerian Broadcast Commission singled out the least vulgar line in the song and ascribed it to be the reason they banned the song. It is a very simple and clean song. 

"The only thing is that I was very blunt about the way I talk about things. I do not know maybe some messages in the song hit them and that is the real reason they banned the song. The line was, ‘This is Nigeria, look how we living now. Everybody be criminal.’ If they ban this song, then I do not understand them because that song is definitely not a vulgar song.

“I do not know if the fact that some group wanted me to retract the song is linked with this new development but I know that there were a lot of messages in the song and it is hitting a lot of people in the wrong places and that is what is making them react in that manner.

“However, there was absolutely no basis for the NBC to ban that song. I am going to have to write to them through my lawyers to find out what is really going on. When I find out the reason behind the ban, I could ask them to lift it if need be and if they do not adhere to my request, I might have to seek legal redress,” he said.