Nigerian officials banned Eedris Abdulkareem's song "Tell Your Papa" from radio and TV stations across the country. The National Broadcasting Commission called the lyrics "inappropriate" after Abdulkareem criticized President Bola Tinubu and his son Seyi. The ban happened as many Nigerians struggled with economic hardship following reforms that started in May 2023. These changes sent food prices soaring and pushed inflation above 30 percent.
The controversial song tells Seyi Tinubu to inform his father that "people are dying" from financial problems and a lack of security. This marks the second time authorities silenced Abdulkareem's music after his 2003 track "Nigeria Jaga Jaga" faced similar restrictions but became widely popular anyway. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project plans to challenge the government's decision in court. Many observers worry the ban hurts free speech in Nigeria. Critics see the move as an attempt to quiet artistic voices speaking about national issues.
The controversial song tells Seyi Tinubu to inform his father that "people are dying" from financial problems and a lack of security. This marks the second time authorities silenced Abdulkareem's music after his 2003 track "Nigeria Jaga Jaga" faced similar restrictions but became widely popular anyway. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project plans to challenge the government's decision in court. Many observers worry the ban hurts free speech in Nigeria. Critics see the move as an attempt to quiet artistic voices speaking about national issues.
