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Eedris Abdulkareem’s anti-Tinubu song gains massive streams despite NBC ban as Soyinka blasts government for censorship
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has scored a significant victory in the face of controversy, as his politically charged single “Tell Your Papa” continues to soar in popularity despite a broadcast ban imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The protest track, which sharply criticizes the administration of President Bola Tinubu, was officially barred from radio and TV airplay on April 10, 2025, for allegedly breaching the Nigerian broadcasting code.
But rather than fading away, the song has gained even more traction, proving once again that censorship often amplifies the message it aims to suppress.
Since the ban, “Tell Your Papa” has seen a dramatic spike in digital engagement:
- YouTube views have jumped from 22,754 to over 89,000, with likes rising from 1,200 to 2,800+
- On Spotify, the song has crossed 30,000 streams, showing a clear wave of interest from the public
In a statement on Instagram, Eedris reflected on the backlash, comparing the situation to the 2004 ban of his iconic protest song “Jaga Jaga”.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he wrote.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) responded swiftly, predicting that the NBC’s move would only increase the song’s reach and impact. Their statement pointed to a long history of censorship backfiring in the music industry — turning protest tracks into viral hits.
Adding weight to the resistance, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka issued a scathing critique of the NBC’s decision. Speaking from New York University, Abu Dhabi, Soyinka denounced the ban as a “dangerous descent into censorship” and an affront to freedom of expression.
In his characteristically ironic tone, Soyinka stated:
“It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.”
He emphasized that the issue at hand isn’t just about one song, but about democratic values under threat:
“The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him.”
Soyinka even admitted he hadn’t listened to the track — yet strongly defended Abdulkareem’s right to express dissent, warning regulators to reverse what he described as “petulant irrationality.”
As “Tell Your Papa” gains momentum, it joins the ranks of Nigerian protest anthems that refuse to be silenced — songs that have historically spoken truth to power and given voice to the frustrations of the people. Whether or not one agrees with Eedris Abdulkareem’s message, his latest release is reigniting crucial conversations about governance, censorship, and artistic freedom in Nigeria.