In a fiery comeback that’s shaken Nigeria’s political and cultural landscape, veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has returned to the spotlight with a bold protest anthem titled “Tell Your Papa.”
Released in April 2025, the track wastes no time in calling out the nation’s harsh economic realities—placing the spotlight squarely on President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu.
With raw verses and unapologetic commentary, Abdulkareem channels the voice of millions of struggling Nigerians, directing his lyrical fury at Seyi Tinubu—urging him to be the messenger of the people’s pain to his father. “Country hard,” he raps with urgency, echoing the frustration that simmers across markets, streets, and social media timelines.
But the message didn’t sit well with the powers that be.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) quickly stepped in, slapping an outright ban on the song across all radio and television platforms. Citing “objectionable content,” the NBC’s move has been widely criticized as another blow to freedom of speech in Nigeria—a recurring theme for Abdulkareem, whose music has always flirted with controversy.
Unfazed and undeterred, the rapper fired back at the ban, describing it as a “politically motivated attempt to silence truth-tellers.” Supporters quickly rallied online, accusing the government of gagging dissent and shielding Seyi Tinubu from public accountability. The younger Tinubu, already a polarizing figure, faced a digital firestorm, with critics accusing him of being out of touch with everyday Nigerians and complicit in ignoring their suffering.
The entire episode brings a strong sense of déjà vu. Back in 2004, Abdulkareem’s revolutionary hit “Jaga Jaga” was also banned—this time by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Ironically, that song went on to become an underground classic, immortalized by its refusal to be silenced.
Now, two decades later, history seems to be repeating itself. “Tell Your Papa” isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. A rallying cry. A lyrical protest that cuts through bureaucracy and fear, forcing a nation to confront its own truths.
As the controversy grows, the question remains: Is Nigeria listening—or just trying to mute the volume on reality?
