By Admin 
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has publicly criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa.
In an interview on Thursday, PMAN President Pretty Okafor expressed strong disapproval of the ban, stating that such censorship would only fuel the song’s popularity amidst growing national discontent.
“The biggest mistake was banning the song,” Okafor said. “That move alone will make more people seek it out.
Those who hadn’t even heard of it will now go searching, and that creates more buzz.
It’s clear the song struck a nerve in the government, hence the ban. But in doing so, the NBC and possibly the government have only drawn more attention to it.
”Okafor noted that while PMAN cannot officially back Abdulkareem at the moment due to the politically sensitive nature of the situation, the association recognizes the power of the song’s message. “We are watching carefully,” he said. “The country is in pain, people are suffering, and the economy is in crisis. We can’t pretend everything is fine.
The song speaks the truth, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”NBC issued the ban in a memo dated April 9, 2025, declaring “Tell Your Papa” “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The section prohibits the airing of content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or contrary to public decency.
According to the commission, the song’s lyrical content fails to uphold standards of responsible broadcasting, despite its widespread circulation on social media.
The memo, signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, directed broadcast stations to avoid airing the track in order to maintain ethical programming.
The controversial track, which gained viral traction since its release earlier this week, directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and urges him to confront his father about the worsening living conditions in Nigeria.In the song, Abdulkareem raps lines like:“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die… Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises.
”The song was reportedly a reaction to Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history.” Abdulkareem’s lyrics counter this narrative, calling attention to issues such as inflation, insecurity, and poverty.
Critics of the NBC’s move argue that banning socially conscious music suppresses free expression and ignores the underlying concerns being voiced through art.
The backlash continues to grow as artists and citizens alike call for the protection of creative freedom in addressing national issues.