Eedris Abdulkareem “Tell Your Papa” Banned: NBC Sparks Outrage Over Censorship of Protest Song

Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem once again ignited national discourse with his latest protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, the song’s bold message led to its ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), citing violations of public decency. This move triggered widespread condemnation from human rights groups, artists, and citizens concerned about the state of free expression in Nigeria.

“Tell Your Papa” emerged as a direct response to a statement made by Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, who publicly lauded his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history” during a March 2025 event in Yola, Adamawa State.

Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his fearless social commentary, crafted the song to challenge this assertion, urging Seyi to confront his father about the country’s escalating economic and security crises.

In an interview on Channels TV’s “Rubbin’ Minds,” Abdulkareem clarified that the song was not a personal attack but a call for accountability. “If Seyi Tinubu never talked about it, I wouldn’t have recorded a song like that,” he stated, emphasizing the need for leaders to address the hardships faced by Nigerians.

On April 9, 2025, the NBC issued a directive labeling “Tell Your Papa” as “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive or indecent. The commission urged broadcasters to refrain from airing the song to maintain professional standards.

The ban faced significant criticism. Amnesty International condemned the action as a violation of artistic freedom and an abuse of power, highlighting the increasing risks to free expression in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government and the NBC to lift the ban, threatening legal action if the directive is not reversed.

This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem faced censorship for his music. In 2004, his song “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized corruption and poor governance, was banned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Despite the ban, the song resonated with many Nigerians and solidified Abdulkareem’s reputation as a voice for the marginalized.

In June 2024, he released another politically charged track, “Emi Lokan,” targeting not only the current administration but also religious leaders like Pastor Enoch Adeboye for their perceived silence on national issues.

The song criticized the government’s handling of the economy and called out religious hypocrisy in the face of widespread hardship.

Final Thoughts

The banning of “Tell Your Papa” explains the ongoing tension between artistic expression and governmental control in Nigeria. As the country grapples with economic challenges and calls for reform, artists like Abdulkareem continue to use their platforms to advocate for change, often at personal and professional risk.

The controversy also raises questions about the role of regulatory bodies like the NBC in a democratic society. Critics argue that such bans stifle necessary discourse and hinder the nation’s progress by suppressing dissenting voices.

Eedris Abdulkareem “Tell Your Papa” reignited conversations about freedom of expression, governmental accountability, and the power of music as a tool for social commentary.

As debates continue, the song’s message resonates with many Nigerians seeking transparency and change in their leadership.