PMAN Slams NBC Ban On Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Tell Your Papa’, Says Censorship Will Backfire

Ikeja, Abuja- The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) decision to ban the broadcast of Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, “Tell Your Papa,” describing the move as counterproductive and a blow to free expression.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Thursday, PMAN President Pretty Okafor criticised the ban, warning that such censorship could have the unintended consequence of amplifying the song’s reach and bolstering public sympathy for its message.

“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 and look for the song and will start promoting it. The song has practically pinched the government somewhere, that’s why they ordered the ban. So, there is already a mistake that has been made by the NBC or even the government by paying attention to that particular song.”

“Tell Your Papa” is a sharp critique of Nigeria’s current economic and security woes, directly addressing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and urging him to confront his father with the realities Nigerians face daily. In the lyrics, Abdulkareem raps:

“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”

Other biting lines include:  “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.”

The National Broadcasting Commission, however, disagreed with the song’s tone and message. In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission labelled the track “Not To Be Broadcast” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

The section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.

According to the NBC’s statement titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,”*the commission said:

“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. It is, therefore, classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”

The NBC further directed all Nigerian radio and television stations to refrain from airing the song to maintain “responsible broadcasting standards.”

Despite the directive, PMAN insists that the government’s reaction only confirms the song’s message and intensifies public scrutiny of official actions.

Okafor added, “We don’t have the power to offer the artiste support right now because it is a very sensitive issue, so, we need to be careful. We will just be watching because people are dying and the suffering is too much. How do we repair the economy? We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth, and there is nothing wrong with that song.”

Released earlier this week, “Tell Your Papa” has quickly become a social media sensation, shared widely across platforms like X, where it sparked conversations about freedom of speech, governance, and public accountability.

Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his politically charged music, is no stranger to controversy. His 2004 song “Jaga Jaga” was similarly banned during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration but went on to become one of the most iconic protest songs in Nigeria’s music history.

As the song continues to gain traction online, critics say the NBC’s attempt at censorship may only serve to immortalize “Tell Your Papa” in the same way.