Nigerian editor argues art must be free from moral policing, citing Fela and historical precedents
A Premium Times editor argues against legislating morality in art, citing historical patterns where controversial works like Fanny Hill, Lady Chatterley's Lover, and Ulysses were banned but later acclaimed. The piece notes Fela Kuti was once dismissed as 'vulgar, irresponsible and dangerously subversive' but is now 'celebrated globally as one of Africa’s greatest musical innovators.' The author references personal experiences observing Lagos culture at spots like Tarmac and Lascofils to understand ordinary people's lives, emphasizing that understanding society requires studying both its 'saints and sinners.' The core argument is that today’s controversial art—like that of St Janet—may gain acceptance over time, and 'creativity cannot flourish under the weight of moral legislation.' The piece warns against allowing governments or moral guardians to legislate creativity, stating 'freedom includes the freedom to offend' and that time, not censorship, judges artistic worth.