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The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has publicly condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) ban on rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s provocative song, “Tell Your Papa.” This decision has sparked intense discussions about censorship and the role of music in addressing socio-political issues in Nigeria.
PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, underscored that the ban is likely to have the opposite of its intended effect, propelling the song into wider circulation at a time when Nigerians face substantial socio-economic hardships. “The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now,” Okafor argued. “Those who haven’t heard about the song or haven’t even listened to it will go now to look for the song and will start promoting it. The song has practically pinched the government somewhere, that’s why they ordered for the ban. So, there is already a mistake that has been made by the NBC or even the government by paying attention to that particular song.”
The implications of the ban extend beyond just a lyrical critique. Abdulkareem’s song reflects a growing discontent among the Nigerian populace regarding the state of affairs in the country. Okafor elaborated on PMAN’s cautious stance, stating, “We don’t have the power to offer the artiste support right now because it is a very sensitive issue, so, we need to be careful. We will just be watching because people are dying and the suffering is too much. How do we repair the economy? We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth, and there is nothing wrong with that song.”
The NBC’s decision to classify “Tell Your Papa” as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) stems from a memorandum dated April 9, 2025, in which the commission deemed the song “objectionable.” The directive outlines that any content violating public decency standards is prohibited on Nigerian broadcast platforms, asserting that Abdulkareem’s lyrics do not align with responsible broadcasting principles.
In a statement, the NBC remarked, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.” The commission requested that stations refrain from airing the song to uphold broadcasting standards.
The controversial track, released shortly after Seyi Tinubu’s remarks in Adamawa State—where he referred to his father, President Bola Tinubu, as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history”—delivers a biting critique of the current regime. Abdulkareem doesn’t shy away from delivering a hard-hitting message about the challenges Nigerians face today, rapping, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
Further confronting the disconnect between the ruling elite and ordinary citizens, the rapper implores, “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.”
Singling out the privileged lifestyles of political figures, Abdulkareem’s challenge Seyi Tinubu directly, saying, “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.”
As the discourse surrounding Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” unfolds, the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and governmental control highlight a critical moment in Nigeria’s struggle for accountability and socio-economic justice. The reception of Abdulkareem’s song may serve not only as a reflection of popular sentiment but also as a catalyst for broader public discourse on the country’s governance.