NBC Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Tell Your Papa’ — Free Speech Back in the Spotlight

📌 Nigeria’s NBC Blocks Political Rap Track

In April 2025, Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a nationwide ban on the new single “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem.

The reason? The song delivers a bold critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and current economic hardship in the country.




🎶 "Tell Your Papa" Sends a Message Through Seyi Tinubu

In the track, Abdulkareem directly calls on the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to pass a clear message to his father:


“Tell your papa, Seyi / Tell your papa, country hard / Tell your papa, people dey die / Too much empty promises / Balablu grammar…”


NBC cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, labeling the song “objectionable” and unfit for public broadcast.


📲 Abdulkareem Reacts: “Telling the Truth Is a Crime”

On Instagram, Abdulkareem compared this ban to the infamous censorship of his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” which also criticized political corruption.


“In Nigeria, the truth is always treated like a crime. But the conscience is an open wound — only the truth can heal it.”


He slammed the Tinubu administration for being “vindictive and insensitive,” and vowed to continue using his music as a tool for change.




🎧 Music with a Message — 20 Years Later, Still Unafraid

Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy. He’s spent over two decades using his voice to challenge Nigeria’s political and religious leaders.


In 2024, he also released “Emilokan,” targeting a prominent pastor for staying silent on Tinubu’s policies.

Now, with “Tell Your Papa,” Abdulkareem is once again proving that music is still a powerful weapon — and he’s not backing down.

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