The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the viral song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing concerns over its “objectionable nature.”
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the NBC designated the track as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
This section bars content considered inappropriate, offensive, or contrary to public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
Despite the song’s popularity on social media, the commission stated that its lyrical content does not align with the standards of responsible broadcasting.
The statement titled, “Restriction on boradcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,’ read, “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 greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan Obi -Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.”
The recently released and controversial track takes direct aim at Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to confront his father about Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic crisis.
Titled “Tell Your Papa,” the song was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday by veteran artist Eedris Abdulkareem. In the hard-hitting piece, Abdulkareem delivers an unfiltered critique of the dire conditions faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The song appears to be a response to remarks made by Seyi Tinubu during a visit to Adamawa State, where he hailed his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
In his verses, Abdulkareem raps, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He continues: “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
Calling out Seyi’s privilege, Abdulkareem adds: “Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
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