“Tell Your Papa”: Eedris Abdulkareem’s Musical Resistance and the Battle for Free Speech in Nigeria

“Tell Your Papa”: Eedris Abdulkareem’s Musical Resistance and the Battle for Free Speech in Nigeria

In a nation teetering between economic anxiety and political unease, a familiar voice has once again stirred the conscience of Nigerians. Eedris Abdulkareem, the veteran rapper and activist, has returned to the spotlight with a scathing new single titled “Tell Your Papa”—a bold and controversial response to recent remarks made by Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The song, released earlier this month, has ignited a storm of political and cultural debate, rekindling the fire of protest music and exposing the growing tensions between freedom of expression and state control.

A Provocative Catalyst

The inspiration behind “Tell Your Papa” is rooted in a viral video where Seyi Tinubu called his father “the greatest president Nigeria has ever had.” For many Nigerians struggling with rising costs, subsidy removal and deteriorating living standards, the comment felt out of touch. Abdulkareem—never one to shy away from controversy—took it as a challenge.

“So, why should I attack Seyi Tinubu personally? If Seyi Tinubu never talked about it, I wouldn’t have recorded a song like that. I am inspired by Seyi Tinubu to record that song,” the rapper stated in an interview.

In the track, Abdulkareem doesn’t mince words. He urges Seyi to tell his father about the struggles ordinary Nigerians face: the inflated prices, the collapsed hopes and the widening gap between promises and performance. It is a blistering anthem of resistance, echoing the discontent of millions.

Echoes of Jaga Jaga

This isn’t Abdulkareem’s first dance with censorship. In 2004, his groundbreaking song “Jaga Jaga” was banned by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration for portraying Nigeria as a country riddled with corruption and chaos. Two decades later, the artist has returned with a similar mission—to hold power accountable through music.

But just like in 2004, the backlash was swift. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a ban on “Tell Your Papa,” calling it unfit for public broadcast. The move sparked outrage, with critics accusing the government of weaponizing regulatory bodies to silence dissenting voices.

A Fight for Expression

Amnesty International Nigeria and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have both condemned the NBC’s actions. SERAP issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the ban be lifted, or face legal action.

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At the core of this controversy lies a broader question: Can artists still challenge the system without being punished for their truths? For Abdulkareem, the answer is clear. Music, he insists, is a tool for awakening—a weapon in the fight for justice and accountability.

“This is not just a song—it’s a message, a mirror and a movement,” he remarked.

Viral Resistance

Despite the ban, “Tell Your Papa” has exploded online. On platforms like Twitter (X), TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, clips from the track have been shared widely, resonating with young Nigerians who see in Abdulkareem’s words a reflection of their daily frustrations.

In an age where digital media outpaces traditional gatekeepers, censorship may no longer be enough to stop a message from reaching its audience. In fact, it may amplify it.

A Cultural Turning Point?

“Tell Your Papa” is more than a protest song—it is a reminder of music’s enduring power to challenge, provoke, and inspire. In a country where political loyalty is often rewarded with silence, Eedris Abdulkareem has chosen to speak.

Whether one agrees with his delivery or not, the conversation he has sparked is undeniable: What kind of country are we building and who gets to tell that story?

For Abdulkareem, the answer lies in the lyrics. And for Nigeria, perhaps, the answer lies in whether we are willing to listen.