Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has recorded a major win amid controversy, as his newly released protest song, Tell Your Papa, continues to attract widespread attention despite a broadcast ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The track, which directly criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was banned from airplay by NBC on April 10, 2025, citing a violation of the Nigerian broadcasting code.
However, the ban appears to have fueled interest in the song, which has now gone viral on multiple streaming platforms.
As of time of reporting, Tell Your Papa has garnered over 82,000 views and 2,600 likes on YouTube—up from 22,754 views and 1,200 likes shortly after its release.
On Spotify, the track has achieved over 30,000 streams, showing a clear surge in public interest following the ban.
Reacting to the development, Eedris Abdulkareem compared the ban to the censorship of his 2004 protest anthem Jaga Jaga, accusing the current administration of suppressing dissent and constructive criticism.
In an Instagram post, he wrote:
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.”
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also weighed in, stating that the ban would likely backfire by drawing more public attention to the song and increasing its popularity.
Renowned Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, added his voice to the growing backlash against the NBC.
In a statement released from New York University, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, April 13, Soyinka condemned the ban as a dangerous return to censorship and an attack on freedom of expression.
He remarked ironically that the censorship didn’t go far enough:
“It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.”
Soyinka warned that censorship of this kind was both counterproductive and harmful to democracy.
He urged regulators to reverse what he termed “petulant irrationality,” warning that a government intolerant of criticism is already “on a slippery slope to the abyss.”
Interestingly, the professor admitted he hadn’t listened to the banned song, but stressed that the core issue extended beyond lyrics to a fundamental democratic right:
“The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him.”
Nigerians have also taken to social media to express their support for Abdulkareem and frustration with the ban.
A YouTube user, Sheggzyunited, commented:
“Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness’ sake. There is no single lie in the song.”
Another fan, Asa Anthony, added:
“They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.”
An Instagram user, @directorjoelmatt, echoed the sentiment:
“Our government doesn’t like the truth.”
