Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has strongly criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after the commission banned his new protest song “Tell Your Papa” from being played on radio and television. Abdulkareem described the ban as a politically motivated move meant to silence critics of the government and suppress free speech.
The NBC had on April 9, 2025, issued a memo labeling the song Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This section prohibits airing content that is considered offensive or inappropriate for public consumption.
The song, which criticises the current socio-economic situation in Nigeria and directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, has gone viral on social media but is now barred from traditional media platforms.
Truth Is a Crime in Nigeria
Reacting to the ban on his official Instagram account on Thursday, Eedris Abdulkareem accused the government of trying to silence truth-tellers and block constructive criticism.
“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 said the move reminded him of when his 2004 protest song “Jaga Jaga” was banned by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for speaking out against corruption and poor governance.
Abdulkareem questioned whether Nigeria had made any real democratic progress since then.
“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,” he said.
NBC Is Protecting the Government from Accountability
The rapper went further to accuse NBC of being used as a tool to protect the government from public accountability. He claimed that banning the song is like trying to hide the truth from the people.
“They are instructing broadcast houses to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table… Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years?” he asked.
Abdulkareem ended his statement with a powerful quote:
“The conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!”
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Background of the Controversial Song
The song “Tell Your Papa” was released earlier this week and has already gained massive popularity online. In the track, Abdulkareem sends a strong message to Seyi Tinubu, urging him to tell his father that Nigerians are suffering.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps in the song.
He also criticises the use of private jets by the elites while ordinary Nigerians struggle with poverty and insecurity.
“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,” he adds.
The song was apparently a response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent statement in Adamawa State, where he reportedly praised his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The NBC’s ban has sparked debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for Abdulkareem and condemning the government for what they see as censorship.
A user on X (formerly Twitter), @AyoTalksTruth, said: “Why is the government always afraid of music? If everything is going well, why be scared of a song?”
Another user, @IamChichi, tweeted: “Eedris is a voice for the voiceless. Banning his song won’t stop the truth from spreading.”
Some others, however, supported the NBC’s decision, saying artists should be more mindful of the kind of messages they put into the public space.
Despite the ban, Eedris Abdulkareem says he will continue to speak the truth through his music. He remains active on social media and continues to promote “Tell Your Papa” online.
The ban has arguably brought even more attention to the song, as people are now more eager to hear the message that the government doesn’t want broadcasted.