The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song “Tell Your Papa” from being played on Nigerian radio and television stations. NBC said the song was “objectionable” and not suitable for broadcast.
In an official memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC declared the song Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The section prohibits any content that is considered offensive or in bad taste from being aired on radio or TV in Nigeria.
The memo, signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, stated:
“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 due to its objectionable nature.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
NBC also advised all broadcast stations to avoid playing the song on their platforms, urging them to maintain “responsible broadcasting standards.”
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards is greatly appreciated,” the memo added.
Why the Song Was Banned
Eedris Abdulkareem released the controversial track earlier this week. The song directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to speak to his father about the current suffering and insecurity in the country.
In the lyrics, Abdulkareem criticizes the president and highlights the harsh conditions ordinary Nigerians are facing:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
The rapper accuses the government of making “too many empty promises” and calls attention to kidnappings, hunger, and economic hardship.
Abdulkareem said, “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try… On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him. Kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
Abdulkareem also challenges Seyi Tinubu to experience life as an average Nigerian:
“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 song was a direct response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he reportedly called his father “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
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Reactions
Since its release, “Tell Your Papa” has gained massive popularity on social media, especially among young Nigerians who feel frustrated by the rising cost of living and insecurity. Many users have shared the song on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), praising Eedris for speaking up.
However, the NBC insists that even though the song may be popular online, it fails to meet the standards expected for public broadcasting.
Some Nigerians have expressed concern that the ban is an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
A Twitter user with the handle @NaijaVoice said:
“So NBC can quickly ban a song criticizing the government, but they won’t act this fast on fake news or hate speech. This is pure censorship.”
Another user, @BolaRights, wrote:
“Eedris is just saying what millions of Nigerians are feeling. Things are hard. Why ban a song instead of fixing the problem?”
Eedris Abdulkareem Speaks
As of the time of this report, Eedris Abdulkareem has not made an official statement regarding the ban, but he continues to post on social media about the song and Nigeria’s political situation.
In a recent tweet, he said:
“I no fear ban. I no fear jail. Na truth I dey talk. Nigerians are suffering and somebody has to speak out.”
The rapper is known for using music as a tool for social activism. In 2004, he released the hit track “Jaga Jaga,” which also criticized government corruption and societal decay. That song was also banned by the government at the time.