KEY POINTS
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“Tell Your Papa” gained over 30,000 streams on Spotify after the ban.
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The song’s ban sparked backlash from fans and artists alike.
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Wole Soyinka condemned NBC’s censorship of the song.
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has recorded a remarkable milestone despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission.
The song, which criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has gathered the attention of several Nigerians and has been making waves on social media. According to YouTube statistics, “Tell Your Papa” had 22,754 views with 1,200 likes, which later surged to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes.
Song reaches notable streaming milestones
On Spotify, the song has also reached over 30,116 streams, indicating that Nigerians are still streaming the song despite the ban.
The NBC banned “Tell Your Papa” from airplay on April 10, citing a breach of the broadcasting code. Eedris Abdulkareem condemned the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism, likening the ban to the censorship of his hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004. He accused the administration of being “insensitive and vindictive.”
Wole Soyinka slams NBC for banning the song
The ban also drew criticism from the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, which predicted it would backfire and increase streams. According to Punch, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka condemned the NBC’s action, calling it a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to free expression.
In a statement from New York University, Abu Dhabi, Soyinka criticized the ban as part of past attempts to stifle artistic and socio-political commentary in Nigeria. He warned that such censorship is counterproductive and dangerous to democratic development.
