Entertainment
Eedris Abdulkareem criticizes NBC for prohibiting his protest song “Tell Your Papa,”
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.
By Francesca Hangeior
Singer Peter Okoye, one half of the now-defunct music duo P-Square, has openly criticised his family after testifying against his elder brother, Jude Okoye, who is currently facing money laundering charges.
Jude and Northside Music Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of laundering N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
In a post shared via his Instagram story on Tuesday, Peter said he prioritises his mental health above all else, questioning the real meaning of family.
He insisted that true family bonds should be rooted in love, loyalty, and trust—not manipulation, betrayal, or theft.
Peter described toxic family dynamics as exhausting and disgraceful, declaring that he would no longer sacrifice his peace of mind for anyone.
He wrote: “Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did – for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything,” the 43-year-old wrote.
“But now I know better – love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all.
“Real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you or ignore your pain. My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive”.
By Francesca Hangeior
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the preliminary objection in the defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, (SAN), and his son, popular musician Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, against social media personality Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan.
Justice Mathias Dawoodu struck out the suit following his discovery that the substantive suit was already before another court, rendering further proceedings before him unnecessary.
Neither the Falanas nor Otse was present at the hearing. However, counsel to the defendant, N.O. Alagbe, appearing on behalf of lead counsel Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application dated April 11, 2025, and filed on April 14, 2025, had been brought to stay proceedings, pending judgment by Justice Azeez in a parallel matter.
Justice Dawoodu responded that the said application was not before his court and questioned why he was being troubled with the matter when the substantive suit was already before another court.
Counsel to the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun, told the court that although he received the application at 4:15 pm late on Monday afternoon, the preliminary objection was properly scheduled and ready for hearing.
He accused the defence of attempting to stall the case and cited a Supreme Court decision which held that courts are not bound to act on applications not yet in their files.
He therefore urged the judge to proceed with the business of the day.
After listening to the submissions of counsel, Justice Dawoodu ruled that after considering the matter at hand, the new application filed by defence but not in his file does not warrant going ahead with the suit.
“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge held.
The Falanas had filed the N1bn defamation suit against Otse, demanding N500m each in damages over a video posted on his social media platforms.
In the video, Otse allegedly claimed that Femi Falana demanded N10m, from controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to pervert the course of justice.
By Francesca Hangeior
Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million by an Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State.
This followed his arraignment on charges including criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
The court also ruled that his bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum.
One of which must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must possess a landed property within a Government Reserved Area, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
More details to follow.
-
News20 hours agoBREAKING: Unknown gunmen reportedly storm Senator Natasha’s family residence
-
News23 hours agoSnub story on removal of Rivers Sole Administrator, it’s FAKE-Chief Registrar
-
News22 hours agoSAD! Again, Alleged Herdsmen Attack Three Benue Communities
-
News14 hours agoAbuja light rail project must be commissioned on May 29-Wike vows
-
News20 hours agoLawmaker Slams NBA Over Rivers Crisis, Demands Return of N300m
-
Politics22 hours agoPDP govs are jokers, can’t stop coalition train, Atiku boasts
-
News15 hours agoJust in: Alleged Herdsmen Armed With AK-47 Rifles Take Over Communities In Benue State
-
News5 hours agoTinubu Remains Engaged In Governance From Europe, Will Return After Easter – Presidency