A Warren G song which included the words “nigga” and “fuck” was broadcast by the Kaya FM during the 180 with Bob Mabena breakfast show. The Tribunal was informed that the general policy of the Kaya FM is to remove these words from songs or use a radio version of the song.
The song indeed included the words complained of. However, the words were not clearly audible, and it was only after listening to the song a few times that members of the Tribunal actually heard the offending words – and then only very vaguely, as they were sung in an indistinct manner which, we were told, is typical of the singer. BCCSA was also told that listeners who know the singer’s style and the song would have had no problem in discerning the words.
Kaya FM explained to the tribunal at the hearing of this matter that the offending words are consistently removed from songs which are broadcast on its station. However, a new system had been introduced and the words had not been picked up by this system. The error in the system has since been rectified.
To make a finding against the broadcaster in this instance would amount to nitpicking. Moreover, the offending words were barely audible. The complaint was not upheld. Ramkissoon vs Kaya FM
