*UVA Condemns the ban of “Tell Your Papa”
TikTokers in Nigeria and beyond are buzzy with the controversial song “Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem, a rapper, activist and one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats movement in the 90s.
The song is a response to the trending video of Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu where he claimed that his father is Nigeria’s best president while addressing some youths in Adamawa state.
The song which questions the truthfulness of this declaration has since been banned by the National Broadcasting Commission this provoking response from the online community. Meanwhile, Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA), a non-governmental organisation that defends artistic freedom and amplifies social change has strongly condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) decision to classify “Tell Your Papa” , a new song by veteran artist and activist Eedris Abdulkareem as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB).
This action, contained in an official memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by the Commission’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, is a blatant attempt to suppress artistic expression and silence critical voices in a time of national hardship. The NBC cites “objectionable content” and public decency as justification, yet offers no clear standard beyond vague interpretations of its own code in section 3.1.8.
UVA further describes “Tell Your Papa” as a legitimate protest song—a bold and courageous expression of the people’s frustration with the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria. From rising insecurity to extreme poverty, citizens are demanding accountability, and artists have the right—indeed, the duty—to reflect these realities through their work.
In a statement signed by UVA’s advocacy coordinator, Prince Adeola Goloba, UVA raises concern about artistic freedom in this democratic nation.
“Rather than stifle dissent, the NBC should protect the rights of creatives who use their platforms to amplify the voices of ordinary Nigerians. This ban not only undermines artistic freedom but sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian control of cultural narratives.
“We call on the NBC to reverse the ban immediately and respect the fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“We stand with Eedris Abdulkareem and all artists using their voices to push for justice and accountability.”
