Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has ignited a firestorm of debate after the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned his latest single, ‘Tell Your Papa’, from radio and television airwaves.
The track which criticized the present situation of Nigeria and directly addressed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, was described as “objectionable” by the NBC.
On April 9, 2025, NBC issued a memo, signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, declaring Tell Your Papa as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The commission declared that the song’s lyrical content is “inappropriate, offensive, and in violation of public decency standards.”
The directive urged all broadcast stations to refrain from airing the track to uphold “responsible broadcasting standards.”
The song, released on Tuesday had gained traction on social media platforms, with many praising Abdulkareem for his bold commentary, while others criticised him for the lyrics of the song.
In the song, Abdulkareem called out Seyi Tinubu, urging him to confront his father about what he described as “Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis, insecurity, and unfulfilled promises.”
Abdulkareem said, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” referencing his 2004 protest anthem Jaga Jaga, which also faced censorship.
However, NBC banned the song, telling all Broadcasting stations to avoid playing it.
Abdulkareem, no stranger to government censorship, took to Instagram to voice his frustration, accusing the Tinubu administration of being “insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent.”
He drew parallels to the 2004 ban on Jaga Jaga under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, questioning Nigeria’s progress in tolerating constructive criticism.
He asserted: “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government.
“This present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.
“Just under two years of his presidency, and the results are just frighteningly abysmal from all fronts.
“This is a fact, known by all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe and political affiliations, except for the few happy slaves grovelling for crumbs from their paymaster’s table.”
The ban has drawn widespread criticism, with many arguing it is allegedly an attempt to clampdown on dissent voices.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the federal government and NBC, demanding the ban’s reversal and threatening legal action if unmet. SERAP labelled the move a “blatant attempt to silence dissent” and a violation of artistic freedom.
Also, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also weighed in, criticizing NBC’s decision.
PMAN President Pretty Okafor who spoke with the press said that banning the song would likely backfire, amplifying its reach.
“The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make it go viral right now,” Okafor said.
He continued: “Those who haven’t heard it will go look for it and start promoting it.”
Okafor acknowledged the song’s sensitive nature but maintained it speaks the truth about Nigeria’s struggles. People are dying, and the suffering is too much. We cannot pretend that all is well.”
