Nigeria – April 11, 2025: Popular Nigerian rapper and singer Eedris Abdulkareem is not happy with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after they banned his new song “Tell Your Papa” from being played on radio and TV.
NBC says the song should “Not Be Broadcast” (NTBB) because of its lyrics. They believe it goes against their rules in Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. NBC shared a letter with all radio and television stations, telling them to stop playing the song.
Why the Song Was Banned
The song “Tell Your Papa” talks about the problems in Nigeria. In the song, Eedris sings directly to Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He asks Seyi to tell his father that life in Nigeria is very hard for many people. He mentions issues like kidnapping, bad roads, insecurity, and broken promises from the government.
Some of the lines from the song say:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
“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.”
NBC said that the song has “objectionable content” and is not suitable for broadcast. They warned media stations to be careful and not play it so they can follow broadcasting standards.
Eedris Responds Strongly
Eedris Abdulkareem reacted to the ban by posting a message on Instagram. He said the government does not like the truth or constructive criticism. He accused President Tinubu’s administration of being insensitive and unfair, saying it punishes people who speak up about the country’s problems.
He also reminded Nigerians that this is not the first time his music has been banned. In 2004, his hit song “Jaga Jaga” was also banned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo for criticizing the government.
Eedris wrote:
“Truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government… This government is now going on record as one of the most insensitive ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.”
He ended his message with the words:
“The Conscience is an open wound, only the Truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!!!”
Background
The song was released shortly after Seyi Tinubu praised his father, calling him “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history” during a speech in Adamawa State. Eedris, who is known for using music to speak out about political and social issues, decided to respond through his music.
Even though the song has been banned from traditional media, it is still trending and being shared widely on social media.
This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem has used music to criticize leaders, and it might not be the last. While some people support him, others believe music should be used to bring people together, not to cause division.
For now, fans can only listen to “Tell Your Papa” online, but it has already started important conversations across the country.
