Gladness Gideon
Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning his latest single, Tell Your Papa, alleging that the move reflects a broader crackdown on free speech and dissent under the current administration.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC declared the track “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the airing of content considered to be of an “objectionable nature.”
While the commission did not elaborate on the specific content that triggered the ban, the decision has sparked criticism from Abdulkareem and supporters of artistic freedom.
Reacting to the development on his official Instagram page on Thursday, Abdulkareem described the ban as politically motivated and accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of intolerance toward dissenting voices.
“NBC just banned my new single Tell Your Papa… It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he wrote.
Drawing parallels to the 2004 censorship of his iconic protest song Jaga Jaga under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the rapper questioned the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic evolution and civil liberties.
“This present government led by President Bola Tinubu is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administration ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria,” Abdulkareem asserted.
The rapper further accused the NBC of acting to protect those in power from accountability, claiming that media houses were being coerced into muting critical voices.
READ ALSO: NBC Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Seyi Tell Your Papa’ Song
“They are instructing broadcast houses to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table… Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years? The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!” he said.
The ban has reignited debates about censorship, press freedom, and the shrinking space for political expression in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Advocacy groups and fans have expressed support for Abdulkareem’s right to free speech, urging the government to allow critical artistic voices to thrive without fear of reprisal.