The Kano State Censorship Board announced the immediate suspension of activities popularly known as “after-party” and “hot challenge” at wedding ceremonies and other social events held at event centres across the state.
The decision, issued by Executive Secretary Abba El-Mustapha through the board’s Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Sulaiman on Saturday July 25, is immediate, and event centres,
masters of ceremony (MCs), and planners who ignore it risk serious sanctions.
Official Reason For the Ban
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According to the board, these late-night celebrations have been spreading fast and are seen as a Western-style influence that doesn’t sit well with Kano’s cultural, moral, and religious values.
The statement reads:
“Consequently, the board has suspended the practice in order to safeguard the cultural, moral and religious values of the people of Kano State.”
The board emphasised that the move forms part of its broader mandate to regulate the activities of MCs and event centres, and to ensure that public events align with the state’s cultural and religious standards.
What Exactly Is Banned
The suspension covers “After-party” and “Hot challenge” activities.
These activities typically involve lively, often more liberal post-wedding celebrations that include certain styles of music, dance and interaction. These styles are what the board views as incompatible with local norms.
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All event centres, MCs, event planners, and other organisers have been directed to comply fully. Anyone found violating the directive risks legal sanctions under the laws enforced by the Censorship Board.
The board added that it still welcomes positive and responsible forms of entertainment at weddings and social gatherings, so far they promote morality, respect local culture, and conform to religious teachings.
They insist they’re not against entertainment entirely, they are only against the kind they believe crosses the line.
However, residents have been urged to report any event centre or MC promoting the banned activities within Kano State.
This isn’t the first time Kano has stepped in to regulate wedding practices. Previous restrictions on certain pre-wedding traditions and Western-style DJ performances already showed the direction the authorities were heading. The after-party ban is only the latest and most direct move yet.
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