Songs banned in Malaysia
Music has a unique power that provides us with the right energy boost to navigate life’s challenges. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the content of certain songs, as they may contain explicit language that could lead to their banning in certain countries, Malaysia included.
We’ve rounded up 6 international songs that are banned and cannot be played in public in Malaysia – a fact you might not have known.
1. Despacito – Luis Fonsi (2017)
Video credit: Luis Fonsi
With over 8.2 billion views on YouTube, Despacito took the internet by storm when it was released in 2017. The catchy tune, which got millions of people dancing along to the song, caught the attention of music listeners and is still much heard to this date. However, this song was allegedly banned in Malaysia because it contains profanity.
2. Born This Way – Lady Gaga (2011)
Lady Gaga is undeniably a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, known for her unique and creative style that sets her apart. In 2011, she released the empowering anthem Born This Way, which received widespread acclaim for its strong music beat and bold message. The accompanying music video, showcasing Gaga’s fearless and fierce persona, was considered provocative, adding to the song’s allure.
However, due to the video’s bold visuals and suggestive elements, the country’s authorities deemed the video unsuitable for public broadcast, reflecting their conservative stance on certain content.
Furthermore, the song’s lyrics, which celebrate individuality and include a mention of the LGBT community, also contributed to its ban from being played on air in Malaysia. The conservative social and cultural context in the country led to the decision to restrict its public dissemination.
3. American Life – Madonna (2003)
Video credit: Madonna
In 2003, Madonna’s music video for American Life sparked controversy around the world due to its depiction of violent and horrifying scenes, alongside very coarse language content. The video’s portrayal of extreme violence led to its ban in several countries, including Malaysia, where authorities considered it unsuitable for public viewing.
To comply with the ban, the music video was replaced with an alternative version, featuring Madonna performing in front of a green screen with various national flags projected behind her. Despite the visual changes, the song’s lyrics, which contained the use of the F word, also contributed to its ban in Malaysia and other conservative regions.
4. Absolutely Everybody – Vanessa Amorosi (1999)
Absolutely Everybody by Vanessa Amorosi was undoubtedly a standout hit during the late 90s, showcasing the Australian singer-songwriter’s powerful vocals and dynamic performances.
However, in Malaysia, both the song and its accompanying music video faced a ban due to their depiction of strong violence, horror, and Indigenous content. The music video featured Amorosi performing in front of a green screen, portraying an image deemed unsuitable for public viewing in the country
5. Telephone – Lady Gaga (2001)
With over 499 million views, Telephone by Lady Gaga feat Beyoncé is an up-tempo song revolving around the theme of liberation with Gaga singing about being too busy to answer the phone because she’s out with her friends and dancing at the club.
The music video of this dynamic duo showcases a storyline where they attempt to escape from prison, but its controversial nature resulted in its banning in the country. It is deemed unsuitable for public viewing due to its depiction of criminal activities and scenes that may be considered inappropriate or sensitive.
6. Some Kind of Bliss – Kylie Minogue (1997)
Released in 1997, Some Kind of Bliss by Kylie Minogue is a deeply personal song that delves into her journey of seeking happiness and self-discovery. The music video accompanying the song portrays Kylie and her on-screen lover trapped in a tumultuous relationship, with scenes depicting violence.
Due to the depiction of violence in the music video, it faced a ban in the country due to it being inappropriate and unsuitable for public viewing, protecting viewers from potentially harmful or sensitive material.
International songs that are banned from playing in public in Malaysia
While songs are a magical potion that fills us with a robust array of emotions, it is noteworthy that a pocketful of them is not allowed in public in certain countries to pay respect to the regulations and customs of the country.
So, the next time you’re out in public, be sure to keep in mind that these international songs are not allowed to be played in public to respect our beloved country, Malaysia.
For more reads about our country, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Billboard via Website, IMDb, IMDb & YouTube