Veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has scored a powerful win in the face of censorship, as his latest protest anthem, “Tell Your Papa,” surges in popularity following a ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The NBC had issued a broadcast ban on April 10, 2025, stating that the track violated the Nigerian broadcasting code due to its direct criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. But instead of silencing the song, the move seems to have had the opposite effect.
Since the ban, “Tell Your Papa” has skyrocketed across digital platforms:
• YouTube: Over 89,000 views and 2,800 likes—a sharp rise from just 22,754 views shortly after release.
• Spotify: Over 30,000 streams, marking a major jump in listenership.
Reacting to the controversy, Abdulkareem drew parallels with the 2004 censorship of his legendary protest song “Jaga Jaga,” accusing the government of repeating history by stifling free expression.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he wrote on Instagram.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also released a statement, warning that the NBC’s move may backfire, inadvertently boosting the track’s reach and impact.
In a twist of irony, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka chimed in with blistering sarcasm. He criticized the censorship as both excessive and absurd, stating:
“It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed… This kind of censorship is counterproductive and deeply harmful to democracy.”
Although he admitted he hadn’t listened to the song, Soyinka stressed that the issue went far beyond music:
“The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him.”
Public Support Pours In
Across social media, Nigerians are rallying behind Abdulkareem, with many praising the song for its boldness and truth:
• @Sheggzyunited on YouTube: “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness’ sake. There is no single lie in the song.”
• Asa Anthony added: “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.”
• @directorjoelmatt on Instagram wrote: “Our government doesn’t like the truth.”
Despite the attempt to shut him down, Eedris Abdulkareem’s message is louder than ever, sparking conversations nationwide about freedom of expression, governance, and the power of music as a tool for resistance.
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