Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) ban of his latest single, ‘Tell Your Papa’, from airplay. The NBC, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, declared the song “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing violations of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the broadcast of “objectionable” content.
Abdulkareem, reacting on his Instagram, characterized the ban as a politically motivated effort to stifle free expression and constructive criticism. He directly accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of exhibiting intolerance towards dissenting voices. The rapper stated that the banning of ‘Tell Your Papa’ demonstrates that in Nigeria, the government often views truth and constructive feedback as major offenses. He drew a parallel to the 2004 censorship of his politically charged song, ‘Jaga Jaga’, during the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, questioning whether the nation has truly progressed democratically regarding freedom of speech.
Abdulkareem’s criticism highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and regulatory bodies in Nigeria, particularly when it involves political commentary. His reaction underscores the concerns of artists who believe their work is being unfairly suppressed for addressing sensitive social and political issues.
The ban on ‘Tell Your Papa’ and Abdulkareem’s response have ignited discussions about the role of the NBC, the limits of free speech in the Nigerian media landscape, and the government’s tolerance for artistic critique. This incident echoes past instances of censorship and raises questions about the balance between regulatory oversight and artistic freedom in a democratic society.
