A new protest song by Eedris Abdulkareem criticizing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu administration has been banned from airplay by the country’s broadcast regulator, sparking massive online debate.
The track, “Tell Your Papa“, has struck a chord with citizens frustrated by economic hardship and insecurity.
- Eedris Abdulkareem’s Tell Your Papa banned by NBC for “violating broadcast code”.
- Song criticizes rising inflation, hunger, and widespread insecurity under Tinubu’s government.
- Social media erupts as citizens debate free speech vs government control.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR LISTEN ONLINE TO “TELL YOUR PAPA” SONG BY EEDRIS ABDULKAREM
Nigeria Bans Airplay of Protest Song “Tell Your Papa” Targeting President Tinubu Administration
The Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially banned the broadcast of Tell Your Papa, a protest song by veteran artist Eedris Abdulkareem, which criticizes the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The NBC, in a directive to TV and radio stations across the country, labeled the track “inappropriate” and “objectionable,” saying it fails to meet public decency standards outlined in the national broadcast code.
Released earlier this week, the song has quickly gone viral, resonating with many Nigerians who are grappling with skyrocketing inflation, food insecurity, and growing fears over national safety.
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“People Are Dying” — Lyrics That Sparked a Ban
In Tell Your Papa, Abdulkareem addresses the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, urging him to tell his father the country is in crisis. “People are dying,” he sings, referencing widespread poverty and hunger.
The lyrics also slam the president’s alleged failure to fulfill campaign promises. Abdulkareem even challenges Seyi to travel by road instead of using private jets to personally witness the dangers of insecurity and kidnapping on Nigeria’s highways.
“He [Tinubu] is not trying,” Abdulkareem sings in a mix of English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin. “Too many empty promises.”
Since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, his administration has implemented major economic reforms. The removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy caused petrol prices to spike, which in turn triggered inflation across sectors.
Currently, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate remains above 30%, with the cost of basic food items rising even higher. Many households have been forced to reduce daily meals and ration supplies.
To cushion the impact, the government launched a cash transfer scheme aimed at assisting 15 million low-income families. But critics argue that the relief is not enough.
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy. In 2003, he released Nigeria jaga jaga, a song that was banned by the government of then President Olusegun Obasanjo, which became a street anthem.
With Tell Your Papa, Abdulkareem once again positions himself as a vocal critic of political leadership, giving voice to millions who feel unheard.
The Tinubu administration maintains that its policies are designed to stabilize the economy long-term, and that short-term difficulties are inevitable. Officials also insist that national security has improved over the last 18 months, despite ongoing threats such as kidnapping-for-ransom and Boko Haram’s activity in the northeast.
However, the decision to ban Tell Your Papa has reignited concerns about censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of music in democracy.
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What do you think about the ban on “Tell Your Papa” song by Eedris Abdulkareem in Nigeria? Should artists be silenced for speaking truth to power? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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