By TheWatch.NG
Veteran Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, has publicly slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its decision to ban his new single, “Tell Your Papa”, from broadcast across radio and television stations in Nigeria. The NBC, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, classified the politically charged track as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)”, citing violations of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits materials deemed “objectionable or offensive to public decency.”
The directive, signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, directed all broadcasters to refrain from airing the track in the interest of “responsible broadcasting standards.”
Protest Song Sparks National Debate
“Tell Your Papa” directly criticizes Nigeria’s current administration, specifically calling out Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, over worsening socio-economic conditions, insecurity, and perceived government incompetence.
In the song, Abdulkareem raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
These lyrics echo the artist’s long-standing tradition of protest music, reminiscent of his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga”, which was banned by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration at the time.
Abdulkareem Responds: “Truth Is a Crime in Nigeria”
Taking to Instagram after the NBC announcement, Abdulkareem condemned the ban as an effort to suppress freedom of expression.
“NBC just banned my new single ‘Tell Your Papa’… It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he wrote.
He further accused the Tinubu-led government of becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent:
“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.”
Abdulkareem also alleged that the NBC was being used to shield the government from public accountability, stating:
“They are instructing broadcast houses to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table… The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!”
Industry Reactions and Backlash
The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has also condemned the ban. PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, called on the NBC to review its stance, arguing that suppressing artistic expression undercuts democratic values.
The controversy has reignited national conversations about censorship, freedom of speech, and the role of artists in political discourse.
