National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single, ‘Tell Your Papa,’ due to its objectionable nature.
The song, released on Monday, criticizes the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
The rapper condemned the “empty promises” and dismissed them as “balablu grammar.” He also asked Seyi Tinubu to relay Nigerians’ hardships to his father.
The song goes, “Tell your papa Seyi/ Tell your papa country hard/ Tell your papa people dey die/ Tell your papa Seyi/ This one don pass jagajaga/ Seyi, ebi n pa mekunu/ Tinubu, ebi n pa mekunu/ Seyi how far/ Your papa no try/ Too much empty promises/ Balablu grammar.”
In a memo dated April 9 and signed by Susan Obi, the coordinating director of broadcast monitoring, NBC noted that the song was deemed to violate Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The commission said it considered the song’s content to be inappropriate and objectionable, citing its violation of public decency standards on broadcast platforms.
NBC urged the various stations to exercise discretion and avoid airing the song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.
The memo reads, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song “Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.”
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The Commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards are greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
Eedris is known for his incisive social commentary and unwavering critique of political and economic issues in Nigeria.
His song ‘Jaga Jaga’ was banned from radio during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure in 2004
In June 2024, the rapper and songwriter released a song titled ‘Emilokan’, calling out Enoch Adeboye, founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
He challenged the cleric to speak out against Tinubu’s administration as he had during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s era.
