Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist and social activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has accused the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of banning his latest single, “Tell Your Papa”, a politically charged track that he says delivers “truth and constructive criticism” to those in power.
Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist Eedris Abdulkareem has accused the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of banning his latest politically charged single, “Tell Your Papa.” In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the song was declared “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, citing its “offensive” content. SaharaReporters confirmed that all broadcast stations received a directive to stop airing the track, which criticizes the government’s handling of the economy and governance.
Abdulkareem described the ban as an attempt to “silence dissent and suppress free speech,” accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being “one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent.” The artist claims the song reflects worsening poverty, economic hardship, and unchecked government excesses. “Truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” he said. This echoes his 2004 censorship experience with his hit “Jaga Jaga.”
READ THE FULL STORY IN SAHARA REPORTERS