In a move stirring controversy and heated debates, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially prohibited the broadcast of veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song titled “Tell Your Papa.” The ban, disclosed in a circular dated April 9, 2025, was signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi.
According to the NBC memo, the song has been labeled “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) in accordance with Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This provision restricts content considered “obscene, indecent, vulgar, or offensive to public sensibilities,” emphasizing that such material cannot be aired on any terrestrial or satellite television or radio station across the country.
The decision arrives amid a wave of social media attention that “Tell Your Papa” has generated since its release. The track, featuring Afrobeat artist Made Kuti, delivers a hard-hitting critique of political leadership, government corruption, poverty, insecurity, and the rising cost of living under the current administration. With lyrics urging Nigerian youths to reject complacency and stand up against oppression, the song has resonated strongly with many citizens frustrated by the status quo.
In the song, Eedris Abdulkareem boldly states:
"Tell your papa say we no go gree again / Their lies and hunger don tire we again."
These lyrics — unapologetically direct and critical — have been deemed by the NBC as lacking in "responsible content for public consumption."
Many civil society groups, musicians, and free speech advocates have slammed the NBC’s action as a suppression of artistic expression and political dissent. Social media users have also flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with hashtags such as #TellYourPapa, #FreeSpeechNigeria, and #WeNoGoGree.
This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem has clashed with authorities over politically charged music. His 2004 classic “Jaga Jaga” was banned under the Obasanjo administration for its biting commentary on Nigeria’s corruption and social decay — a ban the artist proudly resisted.
Eedris has responded to the latest development via his social media accounts, saying:
> “Banning the truth won’t stop it. The revolution is already in motion, and the people are awake.”
Meanwhile, the NBC maintains that broadcasters who defy the ban risk penalties, including fines and possible suspension of operating licenses.
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