Nigeria's National Broadcast Commission has ordered radio and television stations to refrain from airing a controversial song that criticizes President Bola Tinubu, igniting discussions about the country's economic challenges.
Nigeria Prohibits Broadcast of Song Critical of President Tinubu
Nigeria Prohibits Broadcast of Song Critical of President Tinubu
Regulators ban Eedris Abdulkareem’s track citing concerns over appropriateness and public decency.
In a recent move, the Nigerian National Broadcast Commission (NBC) has imposed a ban on the song "Tell Your Papa," performed by artist Eedris Abdulkareem, which targets President Bola Tinubu. The commission claims the song's content is "inappropriate" and breaches the broadcast code designed to uphold public decency. Abdulkareem’s lyrics directly criticize Tinubu’s leadership, urging his son, Seyi, to inform him about widespread suffering, hunger, and insecurity in Nigeria.
Since its release earlier this week, the song has sparked fervent discussions on social media concerning economic strains and security issues under Tinubu’s leadership. Since assuming the presidency in May 2023, Tinubu has pursued a series of economic reforms, notably the removal of a long-sustained fuel subsidy. This policy shift has drastically raised petrol prices, further burdening an already strained populace — with inflation rates exceeding 30% over the past year, leading many Nigerians to face food insecurity.
In the lyrics, Abdulkareem, who blends English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, suggests that the President's promises are hollow and challenges Seyi to experience the real-life dangers that average Nigerians confront daily. Tinubu’s administration has defended its strategies, stating that they aim to stabilize the economy long-term. The government has also implemented cash transfer programs to assist the most impoverished households amid these difficult circumstances.
The NBC holds the authority to penalize stations for defying its directives, having previously fined and suspended licenses of broadcasters for violations. The artist’s history of controversy includes his 2003 hit "Nigeria jaga jaga," which also faced a ban but gained significant popularity, resonating with the grievances of the public.
As Nigeria navigates these pressing issues, the ban of "Tell Your Papa" highlights ongoing tensions between art, expression, and governance in the nation.
For the latest updates from Africa, follow @BBCAfrica on Twitter, or visit BBCAfrica.com.
Since its release earlier this week, the song has sparked fervent discussions on social media concerning economic strains and security issues under Tinubu’s leadership. Since assuming the presidency in May 2023, Tinubu has pursued a series of economic reforms, notably the removal of a long-sustained fuel subsidy. This policy shift has drastically raised petrol prices, further burdening an already strained populace — with inflation rates exceeding 30% over the past year, leading many Nigerians to face food insecurity.
In the lyrics, Abdulkareem, who blends English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, suggests that the President's promises are hollow and challenges Seyi to experience the real-life dangers that average Nigerians confront daily. Tinubu’s administration has defended its strategies, stating that they aim to stabilize the economy long-term. The government has also implemented cash transfer programs to assist the most impoverished households amid these difficult circumstances.
The NBC holds the authority to penalize stations for defying its directives, having previously fined and suspended licenses of broadcasters for violations. The artist’s history of controversy includes his 2003 hit "Nigeria jaga jaga," which also faced a ban but gained significant popularity, resonating with the grievances of the public.
As Nigeria navigates these pressing issues, the ban of "Tell Your Papa" highlights ongoing tensions between art, expression, and governance in the nation.
For the latest updates from Africa, follow @BBCAfrica on Twitter, or visit BBCAfrica.com.
