The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s decision to prohibit the broadcast of Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song “Tell Your Papa,” describing the move as counterproductive and likely to increase the song’s popularity.
According to The PUNCH, PMAN President Pretty Okafor expressed concern over the implications of the ban, noting that the censorship could further amplify public interest in the track.
“The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now,” Okafor stated.
“Those who haven’t heard about the song or haven’t even listened to it will now go look for it and start promoting it. The song has obviously struck a nerve, and that’s why it was banned.”
Okafor explained that while PMAN sympathizes with the message in the song, the association is approaching the issue cautiously.
“We don’t have the power to offer the artiste support right now because it’s a very sensitive issue, so we need to be careful,” he said.
“We will just be watching because people are dying and the suffering is too much. The question is, how do we fix the economy? We cannot pretend everything is okay. That song is speaking the truth, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The NBC, in a circular dated April 9, 2025, directed broadcasters across the country to refrain from airing “Tell Your Papa” on radio and television, citing a violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which bars content deemed offensive or not in line with public decency.
In the memo signed by the Commission’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the track was officially labelled “Not To Be Broadcast.”
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem as inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature,” the memo read. “It violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and should not be aired by any licensed broadcaster.”
The song, which has gone viral on social media since its release earlier this week, is a scathing critique of Nigeria’s economic hardship. Abdulkareem directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to confront his father about the suffering of ordinary citizens.
In the track, the veteran rapper 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.”
The artist also challenges the younger Tinubu to experience life without privilege, rapping:
“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.”
