Nigerian music icon Eedris Abdulkareem has launched a scathing response to the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) ban of his latest single “Tell Your Papa,” denouncing the action as a hypocritical attempt to silence critical voices. The controversial track, which the NBC blacklisted for its perceived anti-government messaging, was actually inspired by Seyi Tinubu’s public praise of his father President Bola Tinubu as “Nigeria’s greatest president,” according to the artist.
During a candid interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Abdulkareem clarified: “This song isn’t an attack on the president – it’s a direct response to his son’s exaggerated claims about his father’s performance. If Seyi Tinubu hadn’t made those statements, this song wouldn’t exist.” The rapper challenged the presidential son to experience Nigeria’s harsh realities firsthand: “Let Seyi travel by road without security details and feel what ordinary citizens endure daily – the insecurity, the hardship, the broken systems.”
The musician reserved his harshest criticism for the NBC, accusing the regulatory body of misplaced priorities: “Instead of addressing the real issues – unemployment, power failure, insecurity – they’re busy banning songs that simply reflect what Nigerians are already suffering. This is pure hypocrisy.” Abdulkareem drew parallels to his 2004 classic “Nigeria Jaga Jaga,” which faced similar censorship under the Obasanjo administration, lamenting that two decades later, “the country remains in the same chaotic state, if not worse.”
Known for his activist stance through music, Abdulkareem vowed to continue his tradition of social commentary: “My art has always spoken truth to power, and that won’t change now. When Nigeria finally works for its people, I’ll be the first to compose a victory song celebrating that progress.” The ban has sparked renewed debate about artistic freedom in Nigeria, with civil society groups condemning what they see as growing government intolerance for dissent.
