The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning the latest protest song by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, titled “Tell Your Papa,” which addresses Nigeria’s current economic hardship and directly calls out Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
In an internal memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC classified the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” due to its “offensive content,” citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The directive, signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, directed all radio and television stations in the country to avoid airing the song.
Reacting to the ban, PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, described the NBC’s action as a misstep that would only fuel the song’s popularity and attract even more attention to its message.
“The major error here is banning the song because that will only increase its reach and virality,” Okafor stated on Thursday.
“People who haven’t heard about it or listened to it will now become curious and search for it. The government feels attacked by the song, which is why they quickly moved to ban it.”
Okafor further explained that while PMAN is cautious in its approach due to the sensitive nature of the situation, the association supports the truth expressed in the song.
“At this point, we cannot publicly offer support to the artiste because the issue is quite delicate. But we are closely observing the situation,” he said.
“The suffering in the country is alarming. The song simply speaks the truth. We cannot continue pretending everything is fine when it clearly isn’t.”
“Tell Your Papa” was released earlier this week and has been widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter). The song is a bold criticism directed at Seyi Tinubu, urging him to confront his father over the growing hardship and suffering in Nigeria.
In the song, Abdulkareem raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
The inspiration behind the song appears to stem from Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments during a visit to Adamawa State, where he praised his father as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history.”
Drivetvnews had earlier reported that the NBC imposed a ban on the song, describing it as “offensive” and “unsuitable” for broadcast on radio and television.
Known for his outspoken and politically conscious music, Abdulkareem uses “Tell Your Papa” to highlight the country’s worsening economy, rising insecurity, and government failure.
The track has since gone viral across social media platforms, particularly on X, resonating strongly with Nigerians who feel abandoned by their leaders.
In another verse, Abdulkareem raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He goes further to challenge the luxurious lifestyle of the President’s son:
“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
He adds:
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
