Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has come forward to explain the inspiration behind his latest song, "Tell Your Papa", which sparked controversy and was subsequently banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to Abdulkareem, the song wasn't an attack on Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, but rather a response to Seyi's claim that his father, Bola Tinubu, is Nigeria's best-ever president.
Abdulkareem stated that his song was a call to action, urging Seyi Tinubu to tell his father to address the country's pressing issues, such as electricity, security, and job creation. He emphasized that Nigerian youths are not asking for handouts, but rather basic necessities. The rapper claimed he was inspired by Seyi's statement and wouldn't have recorded the song if Seyi had kept quiet.
The NBC banned "Tell Your Papa" from radio and television, citing the song's "objectionable nature" and violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. However, many Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, have criticized the ban, describing it as censorship and a threat to free speech. The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also opposed the ban, stating it would only amplify the song's popularity and that the song speaks the truth about Nigeria's current challenges.
Abdulkareem lamented that 24 years after releasing his song "Nigeria Jagajaga", the song remains relevant due to the country's lack of progress. This sentiment echoes the song's themes of frustration and disappointment with Nigeria's development.
