In its bid to eradicate what it called “needless noise making” in the state, the Lagos state government has placed a ban on live band performances in bars and restaurants across the state. Failure to adhere to the new rule will incur a N500,000 fine.

While we appreciate the state’s efforts towards reducing the effects of noise pollution, we cannot but admit that clamping down on live band music in public places may not be the way to go. Especially not in a state that sits on the world map as one of the most vibrant cities in the world, thanks to hundreds of factors including these outdoor live band performances.

Lagosians have persistently lamented the noise that come from religious houses but no true Lagosian who is immersed in the city’s culture will raise a complaint about sound/music (we refuse to call it noise) from the nearest bar or restaurant.

The Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has repeatedly pledged support for the arts and entertainment industries. This administration even took the annual One Lagos Fiesta to another level last December by holding it in five separate locations across the simultaneously for eight days. Lagos is one large party and even the governor gets that, or so we thought until this contradictory move. Many of the artistes who perform at these live band stands the state is trying to silence are the ones who go on to become big stars. This is not a step towards eradicating noise, this will kill dreams, ambitions, businesses and the innate culture that  Lagos the entertainment hub of the nation, and we’ll even stretch it, the continent.

Tolu

Your pop culture/entertainment go-to. Music head. Wallflower. I do not like to write. On a mission to decipher covfefe.