Abuja, Nigeria – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has officially banned the broadcasting of the controversial new song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem. In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and addressed to all broadcast stations, the NBC described the song’s content as “objectionable” and inappropriate for public airplay.
The letter, signed by Susan Obi, the Commission’s Coordinating Director for Broadcast Monitoring, cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, noting that the song has been classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB). The Commission emphasized that the song, which has been gaining traction on social media, fails to meet the standards expected of broadcast content in Nigeria.
“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song… as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature,” the memo stated. “Your station is requested to exercise discretion and refrain from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
Although the letter did not specify the exact content deemed inappropriate, critics have speculated that the song’s political undertone and social commentary targeting powerful figures may have triggered the restriction.
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his politically charged lyrics and activism, has yet to respond publicly to the NBC’s decision. However, the inclusion of his image alongside that of Nigeria’s current President on the memo has raised eyebrows and added fuel to the conversation about freedom of expression and censorship in Nigeria’s media space.
As reactions continue to trail the NBC’s move, many Nigerians on social media have taken to various platforms to debate the implications of this restriction on artistic freedom and political critique through music.
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