NBC BANS EEDRIS ABDULKAREEM’S “TELL YOUR PAPA” FROM AIRPLAY OVER ANTI-GOVERNMENT LYRICS

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially issued a broadcast ban on veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single, “Tell Your Papa,” citing its politically sensitive content and perceived violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

The controversial song, which directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, features hard-hitting lyrics highlighting the economic hardship and rising insecurity in the country. In the track, Eedris calls on Seyi to relay the frustrations of Nigerians to his father: “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”

The NBC’s circular, marked “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB), was dispatched to media stations nationwide, warning against airing the song across all broadcast platforms, including terrestrial radio, TV, and licensed digital networks. The directive referenced sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that prohibit content capable of inciting public unrest or undermining national security.

As an engineer covering media systems and regulation, this development raises technical concerns for broadcast stations, particularly in terms of compliance. Stations must now update their content filters, automation systems, and playlists to flag or block the banned track, ensuring full regulatory alignment.

Eedris Abdulkareem, no stranger to controversy, responded critically to the ban, comparing it to the reaction that met his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga” during former President Obasanjo’s tenure. “You can ban the track, but you can’t mute the people,” the artist remarked in a recent podcast appearance.

Industry observers warn that this latest NBC action might stir fresh debates about freedom of expression, creative censorship, and the limits of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s democratic space.

Despite the ban, the track has gained momentum across social media platforms, with many Nigerians sharing clips and lyrics in solidarity with its message.

As of press time, NBC officials had not provided further comments beyond the circular. Broadcasters and system engineers across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have begun implementing preventive measures in their content management systems.

— Olamilekan Adeyemi reporting for Event Diary Lifestyle