NBC Bans Tell Your Papa by Eedris Abdulkareem from Nigerian Broadcast Stations

 

NBC Bans “Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem from Nigerian Broadcast Stations

Overview of the Ban

In a swift and controversial move, the Nigerian government—through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)—has officially banned the broadcast of “Tell Your Papa,” a politically charged new single by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem. The NBC declared the song Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) on Nigerian radio and television stations, citing its “objectionable nature” and violation of the country’s broadcasting code.

The directive came in a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring. The commission invoked Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which restricts content considered “inappropriate,” “offensive,” or “in breach of public decency.”

NBC’s statement made it clear that despite the song gaining traction online, it was deemed unfit for national broadcast platforms. The memo 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... It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB).”

The commission urged all licensed broadcasters to “exercise discretion and refrain from airing this song” in line with professional broadcasting ethics.

Statement from Susan Obi, Coordinating Director

Susan Obi’s memo reinforced NBC’s mission to “maintain responsible broadcasting standards” and hinted at the song’s lyrical attack on Nigeria’s leadership as the main reason for the ban. The commission's concern appeared to stem from the targeted nature of the lyrics, which call out Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—and criticize the current state of Nigeria’s economy and governance.

 What the Song “Tell Your Papa” Is About

Lyrics Criticising Seyi Tinubu and His Father

“Tell Your Papa” is anything but subtle. The song is a direct response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent public comments where he described his father as “the greatest president in the history of Nigeria.” Abdulkareem, long known for his blunt political messages, responded lyrically with fire and fury.

With hard-hitting lines such as:

• “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die…”

• “Try travel by road without your security, make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians…”

Abdulkareem paints a stark picture of Nigerian suffering, referencing insecurity, inflation, and government negligence. The song’s tone is defiant, emotional, and relatable to many Nigerians struggling under current conditions.

Social Media Response and Viral Momentum

Despite its ban on traditional platforms, “Tell Your Papa” has gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The track is being used as a protest anthem in videos, commentary posts, and meme culture. Many users are applauding Abdulkareem’s courage, calling the song “the voice of the people.”

Online polls and comment sections suggest that a large segment of Nigerians supports the song's message, even if the tone is confrontational. Meanwhile, critics of the song argue that the content might fuel resentment and breach broadcasting decency guidelines.

 Censorship or Regulation?

NBC’s Role in Content Regulation

The NBC has a long-standing reputation for enforcing the broadcasting code strictly, especially when it comes to content seen as politically sensitive. Section 3.1.8 gives the commission wide latitude to decide what constitutes "offensive" or "objectionable" content.

While the NBC argues that its actions are in line with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, critics argue that the decision toes the line of censorship, especially since the song deals with social realities and political critique—a hallmark of democratic expression.

Reactions from Media Practitioners and Nigerians

Media personalities and free speech advocates have expressed mixed reactions:

• Some believe the NBC is “doing its job” and maintaining professionalism in a sensitive political climate.

• Others, including journalists and human rights groups, are calling the ban a clear attempt to silence dissent and an “affront to freedom of expression.”

Abdulkareem himself has not issued an official response yet, but given his history, a fiery comeback can be expected soon.

 Political Commentary Through Music

Eedris Abdulkareem’s History of Protest Songs

Eedris Abdulkareem has never been one to shy away from controversy. The rapper first shot to global recognition with his 2004 hit “Nigeria Jaga Jaga”, a searing indictment of corruption, poverty, and leadership failure in Nigeria. The track sparked national debate and was publicly condemned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who called it “blasphemous.”

But Abdulkareem didn’t back down. Over the years, he’s used music as a platform to speak truth to power, attacking issues like political oppression, religious extremism, and economic decay.

His defiant lyrics and socially-conscious messaging have earned him both praise and backlash, but he remains one of the few artists consistently using music as a tool for activism in Nigeria.

Recalling “Jaga Jaga” and the Clash with Obasanjo

The fallout from “Nigeria Jaga Jaga” led to an infamous back-and-forth between Abdulkareem and Obasanjo. The former president lambasted the artist for what he called a “lack of patriotism,” questioning how any sane Nigerian could describe their country as “Jaga Jaga.”

But Abdulkareem stood his ground. In one memorable tweet, he fired back:

“Mr ex-president, I heard you were talking about me in your last interview… You are my mugu. Obasanjo na my mugu oooo…”

He even threatened to release a follow-up track titled “Obasanjo na My Friend”, taunting the former leader with lyrics and memes that went viral on Nigerian Twitter.

 The Power of Protest Music in Nigeria

Art as a Weapon for Social Change

Music in Nigeria has always been more than entertainment—it is a megaphone for the oppressed, a journal for the marginalized, and a spotlight on the rot in leadership. From the revolutionary anthems of Fela Kuti to the present-day lyrical critiques of Eedris Abdulkareem, Nigerian artists have often been at the forefront of socio-political resistance.

“Tell Your Papa” is just the latest in a long tradition of protest songs that dare to speak uncomfortable truths. Like Fela’s “Zombie” or “Sorrow, Tears, and Blood,” Abdulkareem’s track uses rhythm, rhyme, and raw honesty to expose the harsh realities millions of Nigerians face daily.

These songs may not be broadcast on state radio anymore, but they live on in the streets, in the minds of the people, and in the power they hold to spark conversation, provoke thought, and inspire change.

Protest music transcends airwaves. It echoes in social media, community gatherings, university dorm rooms, and even protests. It gives people language for their pain, and it reminds them they’re not alone in their struggles.

What This Ban Says About Freedom of Expression

The ban on “Tell Your Papa” brings up a serious and recurring question in Nigeria’s democracy: where do we draw the line between regulation and censorship?

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but when government agencies suppress artistic work that questions leadership, it calls those freedoms into question. By removing such voices from mainstream platforms, authorities may temporarily silence dissent—but they also risk radicalizing public opinion further.

In a country where public trust in political leadership is fragile, silencing voices like Abdulkareem’s can backfire. It’s a symptom of a wider issue—a reluctance to confront public criticism head-on. Instead of banning songs, shouldn’t the government be addressing the concerns within them?

 Final Reflection: A Song That Spoke for the People

Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” may no longer play on your radio or TV, but it has already done its job—it started a national conversation. The song has shined a light on rising insecurity, youth disillusionment, and economic frustration. Whether you agree with its tone or not, it reflects how millions of Nigerians truly feel.

By banning the song, the NBC has only amplified its reach. In today’s digital age, censorship has little power against viral momentum. The track continues to gain traction on streaming platforms and social media, proving once again that music is a force that cannot be muted.

The question now is not whether the song is offensive—but whether the leadership is listening.

 FAQs

1. Why did the NBC ban “Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem?
The NBC cited the song’s “objectionable nature” and declared it Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code due to its critical lyrics about Nigerian leadership.

2. What is the message of the song “Tell Your Papa”?
The song addresses Seyi Tinubu, calling on him to tell his father, President Bola Tinubu, about the hardships Nigerians are experiencing. It critiques governance, insecurity, and unfulfilled political promises.

3. Has Eedris Abdulkareem been banned before for his music?
Yes. In 2004, his song “Nigeria Jaga Jaga” was condemned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo for portraying Nigeria negatively. It sparked national debates about free speech and patriotism.

4. Can Nigerians still listen to “Tell Your Papa” despite the ban?
Yes. While the song cannot be aired on Nigerian radio or TV stations, it is still accessible on streaming platforms and social media where NBC’s regulations don’t apply.

5. Is the ban on the song legal under Nigerian law?
The NBC has authority to regulate broadcast content, but critics argue that such bans may infringe on constitutional rights to freedom of expression. The legality of such actions has been a subject of ongoing debate.