The Nigerian Government has stirred public debate by banning a newly released protest song by veteran hip-hop artist Eedris Abdulkareem.
The track, titled Tell Your Papa, targets President Bola Tinubu and his administration, highlighting the ongoing economic and security crises affecting ordinary Nigerians.
Released earlier in the week, Tell Your Papa quickly gained traction on social media, resonating with citizens frustrated by inflation, hunger, and insecurity.
The song criticizes the president for what the artist describes as failed leadership and broken promises. In a mix of English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, Abdulkareem directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, the president’s influential son, urging him to inform his father that Nigerians are suffering.
However, the National Broadcast Commission (NBC), Nigeria’s media regulatory authority, has ordered television and radio stations across the country not to air the song.
In an official letter, the NBC labeled the song “inappropriate” and “objectionable,” claiming that it violates the nation’s broadcast code and falls short of public decency standards.
The commission warned broadcasters of possible sanctions, including fines and license suspensions, should they ignore the directive.
This is not the first time Abdulkareem has courted controversy through his music.
In 2003, his track Nigeria Jaga Jaga—a critique of the country’s failing systems—was banned by the administration of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Despite the ban, that song became a grassroots anthem, widely circulated and embraced by citizens fed up with corruption and inequality.
Tell Your Papa comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has rolled out a series of sweeping economic reforms.
Chief among them was the removal of the fuel subsidy—a policy that had long kept fuel prices artificially low.
The move led to a sharp spike in petrol costs and triggered a domino effect that raised the prices of food, transport, and other essentials.
Inflation soared above 30% for most of 2024, and basic commodities became unaffordable for many.
Reports indicate that some citizens have resorted to eating fewer meals or going hungry altogether.
The government has attempted to cushion the impact with a cash transfer scheme targeting 15 million poor households, but critics argue that the support is inadequate given the scale of the crisis.
Security remains another pressing concern. Kidnappings for ransom continue across the country, and fears persist that Boko Haram and other militant groups could regain strength, particularly in the north-east.
In the song, Abdulkareem challenges Seyi Tinubu to forgo private jets and travel by road to witness firsthand the dangers faced by average Nigerians.
Despite the ban, the track has only amplified public discourse around Nigeria’s political and socioeconomic landscape.
While the government maintains that its policies are necessary for long-term stability, voices like Abdulkareem’s reflect widespread dissatisfaction and highlight the enduring role of music as a form of protest and social commentary in Nigeria.
–BY Nadia Ntiamoah
