Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has addressed the controversy surrounding his latest song, “Tell Your Papa,” clarifying that it was a direct response to comments made by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rather than a personal attack.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Abdulkareem explained that the song was inspired by Seyi Tinubu’s recent statement referring to his father as “Nigeria’s best-ever president.” He emphasized that his intention was to highlight the pressing issues facing Nigerians, such as insecurity, lack of electricity, job scarcity, and economic hardship, rather than to attack Seyi personally.
“If Seyi Tinubu never talked about it, I wouldn’t have recorded a song like that,” Abdulkareem stated, adding that the song serves as a call for the president to address these critical challenges.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned “Tell Your Papa” from radio and television on April 10, citing a violation of broadcasting codes. This move has been met with public outrage, with critics arguing that it suppresses free expression. Despite the ban, the song has gained significant traction on streaming platforms, amassing tens of thousands of views and streams within days.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka criticized the NBC’s decision, calling it a “return of censorship” and a dangerous threat to free expression. He remarked that banning the song only amplified its reach and popularity.
Abdulkareem also expressed disappointment that his 2004 protest song, “Nigeria Jaga Jaga,” remains just as relevant two decades later, underscoring the persistent challenges in the country.
