The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, “Tell Your Papa.” The association says the decision is likely to backfire and increase the song’s popularity among Nigerians already frustrated by the country’s economic struggles.
NBC had announced on April 9, 2025, that the song must not be aired on any Nigerian radio or television station. In a memo signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission said the song was “objectionable” and violated Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. That section bars content considered offensive, inappropriate, or against public decency.k
The memo said, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast. It is, therefore, classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
The commission also urged all broadcast stations to stop airing the song “to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
But PMAN President Pretty Okafor, speaking in an interview with The PUNCH on Thursday, disagreed with NBC’s decision. He said banning the song only gives it more attention and encourages more people to search for it online.
Okafor said, “The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now. Those who haven’t heard about the song or haven’t even listened to it will go now to look for the song and will start promoting it. The song has practically pinched the government somewhere, that’s why they ordered for the ban.”
Okafor admitted that PMAN is currently being cautious about taking a direct stand due to the sensitive nature of the issue. However, he emphasized that the message in the song reflects the reality on the ground.
He said, “We don’t have the power to offer the artiste support right now because it is a very sensitive issue, so, we need to be careful. We will just be watching because people are dying and the suffering is too much. How do we repair the economy? We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth, and there is nothing wrong with that song.”
Also Read:
- Eedris Abdulkareem Blasts NBC for Banning His Protest Song
- NBC Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” Song from Radio, TV
Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” has caused a stir on social media since its release earlier this week. The song is a bold message to Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to confront his father about the worsening living conditions in Nigeria.
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, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.
“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.”
The lyrics came in response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent speech in Adamawa State, where he praised his father, President Tinubu, as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history.” The rapper’s song challenges that statement and voices the anger many Nigerians feel about inflation, insecurity, and broken promises.
Earlier, Abdulkareem had also reacted to the NBC ban on his Instagram page. He called the action a clear attempt to silence him and other critical voices.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he said.
Abdulkareem compared this ban to when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration tried to suppress his famous protest anthem “Jaga Jaga” in 2004. He accused the Tinubu administration of being “insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent.”
He said, “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? The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!”
Many Nigerians online have also expressed support for Abdulkareem, praising his courage and honesty in a time when they say many public figures are afraid to speak out.