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Eedris Abdulkareem criticizes NBC for prohibiting his protest song “Tell Your Papa,”
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Veteran Nigerian rapper and social activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning his politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa,” which criticizes the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country and calls out President Bola Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu.
In the controversial track, which has been trending across social media platforms since its release, Eedris delivers a raw and uncompromising message, urging Seyi Tinubu to confront his father over the prevailing hardships in Nigeria. With lyrics such as “Seyi, tell your papa country hard… tell your papa people dey die” and “try travel by road without security,” the rapper paints a grim picture of insecurity, poverty, and government insensitivity.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC officially directed all broadcast stations to refrain from airing “Tell Your Papa.” The directive was signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, and referenced Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which bars the broadcast of materials deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”
According to the Commission, although the song continues to gain traction online, its lyrics fall short of the standards expected of content aired on national radio and television. The track was officially labelled “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB),” effectively restricting its presence in traditional media.
Reacting to the ban in a statement shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, Eedris did not mince words in his criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of intolerance to dissent and branding it as vindictive and oppressive.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” he wrote. “This present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going down in history as one of the most insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent regimes this country has ever endured.”
Eedris went further, comparing the current ban to a similar incident in 2004 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government banned his now-iconic protest song “Jaga Jaga.” That track, much like “Tell Your Papa,” called out the rot in Nigeria’s political and economic systems and sparked national debate.
Reflecting on his decades-long activism through music, Eedris noted that censorship has become a recurring tool used by Nigerian governments to suppress voices of dissent. “This is history repeating itself. They banned Jaga Jaga 21 years ago, and here we are again. Has anything really changed?” he asked rhetorically.
The rapper insisted that banning the song would not silence the growing frustration among ordinary Nigerians who face daily challenges ranging from hunger and insecurity to joblessness and inflation.
“This government should understand that the conscience is an open wound. Only truth can heal it,” he said. “Rather than attacking the messenger, they should focus on fixing the message—the reality we all face.”
Following the NBC’s decision, fans and civil society activists have taken to social media to show support for Eedris and condemn what they see as a continued erosion of free expression in Nigeria. The hashtag #TellYourPapa is gaining traction, with many sharing their personal experiences and frustrations under the current administration.
While traditional broadcast stations may be barred from airing the song, it continues to circulate widely online, cementing Eedris Abdulkareem’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most vocal musical dissidents.
Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.
In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.
They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.
The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.
The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.
Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.
“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.
The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.
Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.
He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.
Fifteen housemates have been put up for possible eviction in week six of Big Brother Naija Season 11.
The nominees are Chimsom Chuka, Flora, Aikou, Bells, Tram, Gerard, Oyin, Ricky, Barry, Temi Nkem, Araga, Yusuf, Nomy, Bluethopia and Keivo.
The list was confirmed during Monday’s nomination proceedings in the house.
Head of House Abi is immune from eviction this week following her win in the week six HOH challenge.
She also becomes a two-time HOH this season.
Also safe from eviction is Sheba, who emerged as the Most Influential Player for week five.
The title comes with immunity for the following week.
With Aikou and Flora’s gambit status now revoked, both housemates are eligible for nominations and eviction for the first time this season.
The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, under the theme, “Africa to the World”.
The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.
Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season.
Wizkid is in contention in major categories, including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year. His album, Morayo, is also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.
Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. He is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece. Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract significant attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize. The category has traditionally served as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer, Awilo Longomba, set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame Award, while Nigerian entertainment executive, Cecil Hammond, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.
With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now shift to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.
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