Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial track “Tell Your Papa” has achieved notable streaming success despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission.
The protest song, which sharply criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has continued to gain traction among Nigerians, particularly on social media platforms.
On YouTube, the song initially garnered 22,754 views with 1,200 likes. However, amid the growing controversy, those numbers surged to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes. On Spotify, the track also crossed a significant threshold, with over 30,116 streams, demonstrating sustained public interest despite its restriction from airplay.
The NBC officially banned “Tell Your Papa” from broadcast on April 10, citing a breach of the Nigerian broadcasting code. In response, Abdulkareem condemned the decision, accusing the government of silencing dissent and constructive criticism. He compared the ban to the censorship of his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” calling the current administration “insensitive and vindictive.”
Taking to Instagram, Abdulkareem stated, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.”
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also criticised the NBC’s move, predicting that the ban would only heighten curiosity and drive more people to stream the song online.
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka joined the chorus of critics in a strongly worded statement from New York University, Abu Dhabi. He described the NBC’s action as a dangerous return to censorship and a direct threat to free expression in Nigeria.
Soyinka expressed irony in his criticism, stating, “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.”
He argued that censorship of this nature undermines democratic development and called for the regulatory body to reconsider what he termed a “petulant irrationality.”
“The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him,” Soyinka added, noting that while he had not listened to the song himself, the broader issue concerns fundamental democratic rights.
Fans have also taken to social media to share their views on the ban. One YouTube user, Sheggzyunited, wrote, “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness sake. There is no single lie in the song.” Asa Anthony added, “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.” On Instagram, user directorjoelmatt commented, “Our government don’t like the truth.”
Despite the NBC’s restriction, “Tell Your Papa” appears to be resonating widely, turning what could have been a silent protest into a viral anthem.
