Bahati song controversy: Ezekiel Mutua warns artistes to watch their lyrics
Former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua has called on Kenyan artistes to prioritise clean and family-friendly content in their work.
This follows Bahati’s latest song ‘Seti’, whose explicit video and bold lyrics have divided opinion, quickly trending across social media, with fans and critics questioning whether the former gospel star has strayed too far from his roots.
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In a statement on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Mutua emphasised that success in the entertainment industry does not require obscenity or controversial themes.
“To our artists, content doesn’t need to be dirty to sell or to be impactful. You can do clean content and still be famous. You can be creative while respecting the limits of common decency,” Mutua said.
He further noted that artistic talent is a gift that should be used responsibly to inspire, build society, and contribute to national development.
“The gift God has given you should be used to shape society, inspire hope, and contribute to national development. I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to use your talent and creativity to uplift, not harm society,” he added.
Acknowledging the pressures of a social media-driven industry, Mutua warned against chasing attention through sensationalism, insisting that clean, wholesome content holds greater value for the long term.
“Msanii ni kioo cha jamii, an artist is a mirror of society, but we also have a duty to protect our culture and moral values,” he stated.
Diana’s reaction
After Bahati released his controversial song, Diana Marua distanced herself from her husband’s latest musical direction.
In her official statement on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Diana stressed that she is fully committed to her personal ventures.
“I know many of you have seen the recent conversations and content around Bahati. While I respect his journey as an artist and the choices he makes for his career, I want to be clear that my focus is different,” Diana said.
She explained that her priorities remain her businesses, partnerships, and the brands that trust her. According to her, this requires her to conduct herself in a manner that reflects responsibility, growth, and the values she holds dear.
