Abuja — April 10, 2025: The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially barred radio and television stations in Nigeria from broadcasting the newly released protest song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran hip-hop artiste, Eedris Abdulkareem.
In a memo dated April 9 and signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the NBC classified the song as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the airing of content deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”
The directive, which has been distributed to broadcasters nationwide, is in response to the song’s viral popularity on social media platforms. According to the NBC, despite its trending status, the lyrical content of the song falls short of “responsible broadcasting standards.”
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem… as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature,” the memo reads. “It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)… The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song.”
A Blistering Protest Anthem
The controversial track, released on Sunday, directly criticizes Seyi Tinubu — son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — and, by extension, the current administration. Abdulkareem uses the song to highlight the mounting hardship, insecurity, and economic strain facing ordinary Nigerians.
In the song, the artist raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga…”
“Try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians…”
The lyrics appear to be a direct response to recent remarks made by Seyi Tinubu in Adamawa, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.” Abdulkareem, known for his sharp political commentary and activism through music, seems to take issue with the perceived disconnect between political elites and the suffering masses.
Public Reaction and Censorship Debate
The ban has reignited debate over freedom of expression and the role of censorship in Nigeria’s democratic space. Critics argue that the NBC’s action amounts to stifling dissent and silencing legitimate political critique through artistic expression.
Supporters of the ban, however, contend that national broadcast platforms must maintain content that promotes unity and avoids what they describe as “incendiary” or “provocative” messaging.
As of the time of reporting, neither Abdulkareem nor his management has issued a formal response to the NBC’s memo. However, the song continues to circulate widely across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and WhatsApp.
