Wole Soyinka Decries NBC's Censorship of Eedris Abdulkareem's Protest Song
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has strongly criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its recent ban on Eedris Abdulkareem's politically charged song, Tell Your Papa. The NBC, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, labeled the track as "Not To Be Broadcast," citing violations of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the airing of "objectionable" content .
Soyinka, a long-standing advocate for freedom of expression, expressed deep concern over the NBC's action, viewing it as a regression to authoritarian censorship practices. He emphasized that such measures not only stifle artistic creativity but also pose a significant threat to democratic discourse in Nigeria.
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his history of politically conscious music, responded to the ban by accusing the NBC of attempting to suppress dissenting voices. Drawing parallels to the 2004 censorship of his song Jaga Jaga during President Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure, Abdulkareem questioned the progress Nigeria has made in upholding freedom of speech .
This incident has sparked widespread debate about the role of regulatory bodies in Nigeria and their impact on artistic freedom. Critics argue that the NBC's actions reflect a broader pattern of intolerance towards critical perspectives, undermining the nation's commitment to democratic principles.
Soyinka's condemnation adds to a growing chorus of voices advocating for the protection of free expression and the need for regulatory bodies to support, rather than hinder, the nation's creative industries.
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