Eedris Abdulkareem's new song "Tell Your Papa," which criticizes President Bola Tinubu for economic hardships, is banned by Nigeria's broadcasting authorities due to its contentious content.
Nigeria's National Broadcast Commission Bans Critically Acclaimed Protest Song
Nigeria's National Broadcast Commission Bans Critically Acclaimed Protest Song
Outspoken Nigerian Artist Eedris Abdulkareem Faces Censorship Over Political Commentary
The National Broadcast Commission (NBC) of Nigeria has enacted a ban preventing broadcasters from airing Eedris Abdulkareem's controversial new song "Tell Your Papa," which sharply criticizes President Bola Tinubu and the ongoing crisis in the nation. The lyrics implore Tinubu's son, Seyi, to convey the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, emphasizing themes of hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
The NBC justified the ban in a letter to radio and television stations, claiming the song's content is "inappropriate" and breaches the country's broadcast code, stating it fails to meet public decency standards. Released just days prior, "Tell Your Papa" quickly garnered significant attention on social media platforms, igniting discussions about the worsening economic and security environment in Nigeria.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented economic reforms that have led to steep rises in living costs, especially following the elimination of a long-standing fuel subsidy. This policy shift resulted in fuel price surges, driving up inflation to over 30% and causing some Nigerians to reduce their daily food intake.
In the song, Abdulkareem's urgent tone condemns the government's handling of current hardships, accusing Tinubu of making "too many empty promises" while suggesting that genuine understanding of the populace’s plight could be gained if the president's son traveled by road instead of flying by private jet.
Tinubu's administration has defended its policies, committed to stabilizing the economy in the long run, and has initiated cash transfer programs aiming to support 15 million impoverished households. Meanwhile, the government claims improvements have been made regarding security issues, despite ongoing concerns about kidnappings and the resurgence of groups like Boko Haram.
NBC's position as the licensing authority allows it to impose penalties on stations that disregard its restrictions, with past actions including fines and license suspensions. Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversies; he previously faced backlash for his 2003 hit "Nigeria jaga jaga," a song that criticized government inefficiencies and corruption and became widely popular despite its ban.
