Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem is making waves once again, as his controversial protest track “Tell Your Papa” continues to dominate online platforms despite a broadcast ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The song, a direct critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was officially banned from airplay on April 10, 2025, over claims that it violated broadcasting codes. But in a classic case of the “Streisand effect,” the move has only amplified its reach.
Since the ban:
- YouTube views have skyrocketed from 22,754 to over 89,000, with likes doubling to 2,800+
- On Spotify, the track has already surpassed 30,000 streams
Abdulkareem, who’s no stranger to politically charged music his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga” faced similar censorship responded on Instagram, stating:
“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) has also chimed in, predicting that the ban will only boost the track’s popularity.
Even Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka joined the discourse from New York University, Abu Dhabi. While ironically suggesting that the artist himself should be banned, Soyinka emphasized a deeper concern:
“A government intolerant of criticism is already on a slippery slope to the abyss… This ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion.”
Though he admitted not hearing the song yet, Soyinka defended Abdulkareem’s right to express dissent, calling the NBC’s actions “petulant irrationality.”
Social media reactions have been fierce:
- @Sheggzyunited on YouTube: “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness’ sake. There is no single lie in the song.”
- @Asa Anthony: “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.”
- @directorjoelmatt on Instagram: “Our government doesn’t like the truth.”
Despite the backlash from authorities, “Tell Your Papa” appears to be gaining momentum as a rallying cry for free speech and accountability in Nigeria proof that, in the digital age, banning the message only spreads it faster.
