Name: Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia" banned in Malawi

Date: 1976 - 1984

Location: Africa

SubjectPolitical/Economic/Social Opinion

MediumMusic


Artist: Simon and Garfunkel

Confronting Bodies: Malawi Censorship Board

Date of Action: 1980's?

Specific Location: Malawi

Description of Artwork:  The song "Cecilia" by the US recording artists Simon and Garfunkel.

Description of Incident: "...The reason for the ban is that Cecilia is also the name of President Banda's "Official Hostess" or mistress, Tamanda Kadzamira. The banning apparently coincided with a somewhat rocky phase in their relationship---"Cecilia/I'm down on my knees/ I'm begging you please to come home." Malwians apparently took to singing bowdlerized versions and even humming the tune was guaranteed to raise a smile...."

Results of Incident:  "...Ms. Kadzamira has since preferred to be known in public by her middle name of Tamanda...."

Source: Human Rights Watch/Africa Watch, "Where Silence Rules, The Suppression of Dissent in Malawi," October 1990, Pg. 72

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