Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem is back in the spotlight with a new protest song titled 'Tell Your Papa.' The track takes aim at Seyi Tinubu, the son of the current Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, urging him to relay the struggles faced by everyday Nigerians to his father. Abdulkareem's latest release sheds light on the daily challenges of poverty, insecurity, and hunger that many are enduring across the country.
In the song, Abdulkareem openly criticizes President Tinubu's administration, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises and contributing to worsening economic conditions in Nigeria. The musician is known for his fearless approach to social commentary and has previously ruffled feathers with his music. This new release echoes sentiments similar to those found in his 2004 hit, 'Jaga Jaga,' which boldly challenged the government's practices at the time.
The timing of Abdulkareem's song is significant, as it follows recent remarks by Seyi Tinubu, who offered praises for his father's leadership during a visit to Adamawa State. Abdulkareem perceives these remarks as out of touch with the reality on the ground, noting the stark contrast between Seyi's lifestyle, filled with private jet travel and security, against the backdrop of the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. The artist challenges Seyi to step out of his comfort zone, suggesting he travel without security to truly understand the everyday struggles faced by millions.
The release of 'Tell Your Papa' has not come without controversy. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) swiftly banned the song, deeming it in violation of broadcasting codes concerning public decency. This act of censorship is reminiscent of Abdulkareem's previous encounters with governmental pushback, as similar bans were placed on his music by past administrations.
Abdulkareem's history of protest music speaks volumes about his passion for advocating change through his art. Earlier this year, he released a remix of 'Jaga Jaga 2023', targeting former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari. His music continues to serve as a voice of dissent, urging those in power to address the very real issues faced by the Nigerian people.
Michael Klamm
April 12, 2025 AT 18:15lol this song is wild frfr đ they banned it? who even cares anymore lol
christian lassen
April 12, 2025 AT 18:38i think he just wanna be heard... people are sufferin and he's usin his voice. not sure if i agree with all the lyrics but... y'know?
Murray Hill
April 13, 2025 AT 03:42this is how art works in places where silence is dangerous. he's not just singing-he's keeping history alive. in canada we got protest songs too, but no one gets jailed for them. still, respect.
Bruce Wallwin
April 13, 2025 AT 13:47Banned? Of course. Censorship is the only policy left. And you wonder why youth are leaving?
Katelyn Tamilio
April 13, 2025 AT 18:17i just hope this song reaches people who need to hear it-not just the ones already shouting into the void. music can be a bridge, not just a weapon đ
Shirley Kaufman
April 14, 2025 AT 14:49Eedris has been doing this for 20 years and still no one listens to the message-only the noise. But hereâs the thing: if the government keeps banning songs instead of fixing problems, theyâre just admitting theyâre scared. And scared leaders donât lead-they just hide.
William H
April 15, 2025 AT 02:55This is clearly part of a Western media campaign to destabilize Nigeria. The NBC acted responsibly. You think a musician with no policy background knows whatâs âreallyâ going on? Wake up. The economy is being rebuilt-slowly, yes, but itâs happening. This song is just propaganda dressed as art.
Antony Delagarza
April 15, 2025 AT 10:07You think this is the first time they banned a song? Theyâve been doing this since Obasanjo. Itâs all coordinated. The same people who banned âJaga Jagaâ are still in power. This isnât about decency-itâs about control. And theyâre terrified of real voices. They know if this song goes viral, the whole facade cracks.
Letetia Mullenix
April 15, 2025 AT 14:28i just feel sad that someone whoâs trying to speak for the people gets called a troublemaker... i hope heâs okay. really.
Morgan Skinner
April 16, 2025 AT 01:25This isnât just music. Itâs testimony. Itâs the sound of a nation holding its breath. Eedris doesnât need a degree in economics to know when people are starving. Heâs the poet of the pavement. And if the state fears him more than bandits, maybe the real crisis isnât the economy-itâs the moral collapse of those in charge. đď¸
Jack Fiore
April 16, 2025 AT 02:38Iâve listened to every version of Jaga Jaga. The original was more nuanced. This oneâs too blunt. Also, Seyi Tinubu doesnât control the economy. The Central Bank does. And the IMF. And oil prices. And inflation. And currency devaluation. And... well, you get the point. The artist is simplifying a complex problem into a personal attack. Thatâs not activism-itâs reductionism.
Rachel Marr
April 16, 2025 AT 08:38Even if you donât agree with the message, you canât deny the courage it takes to say it. I hope Eedris stays safe. And I hope someone in power actually listens-not because theyâre scared, but because they care. đą