NBC Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s New Protest Song
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, Tell Your Papa, from being aired on radio and television across the country.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC described the track as “objectionable” and “inappropriate for broadcast.” The directive, titled Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, classifies the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB),” citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive or indecent for public consumption.
“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.”
Susan Obi concluded the notice by stating: “Your cooperation and commitment to upholding [the Code is] greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
Tell Your Papa, which dropped earlier this week and quickly went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), is a direct critique of Nigeria’s current leadership. The song particularly targets Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
Known for his fearless, politically conscious lyrics, Abdulkareem doesn’t hold back in the track, lamenting the country’s deepening economic woes, rising insecurity, and the disconnection between citizens and those in power.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps in one of the verses.
He continues with even sharper lines aimed at Seyi’s perceived lavish lifestyle: “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.”
Abdulkareem challenges Seyi to experience the country’s harsh realities without privilege: “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 is believed to be a direct response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments during a visit to Adamawa State, where he reportedly described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history”—a remark that triggered widespread backlash online.
Despite the ban, Tell Your Papa continues to spark conversations across social media, resonating with many Nigerians who feel the song voices their frustrations.
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