The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has imposed a nationwide ban on veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” labeling it “objectionable” and “unfit” for public airplay on radio and television.
In a memo dated April 9 and signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive or in violation of public decency.
The directive, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” described the song as inappropriate due to its critical nature and provocative lyrics aimed at the country’s leadership, particularly Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
“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,” the memo reads.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
“Tell Your Papa,” released earlier this week, has already gone viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), resonating with many Nigerians who feel increasingly frustrated with the state of the nation. The song offers a scathing critique of Nigeria’s economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and perceived government negligence.
In the track, Abdulkareem raps: “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He continues: “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.”
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The lyrics take direct aim at the opulent lifestyle of Seyi Tinubu, urging him to experience the everyday struggles of Nigerians by traveling without security.
“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,” Abdulkareem raps.
The song is widely seen as a response to a recent comment by Seyi Tinubu, who reportedly praised his father during a visit to Adamawa State as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history,” a statement that sparked backlash online.
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his politically charged music since the release of his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” has once again stirred national debate. The NBC’s decision to ban the song has sparked fresh discussions about censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of music in political discourse.
