Eedris Abdulkareem’s Anti-Tinubu Song Gains Streams Despite Ban

Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has gained significant attention despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The song, which criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has garnered substantial views and streams online.

The song initially had 22,754 views with 1,200 likes, but the numbers skyrocketed to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes.

The song has been streamed over 30,116 times, indicating that Nigerians are still interested in listening despite the but the rapper condemned the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism, likening the ban to the censorship of his iconic hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004. He described the current administration as “insensitive and vindictive”

Soyinka slammed the NBC, describing the ban as a return to censorship and a threat to free expression. He urged the regulatory body to reverse the ban, warning that any government that only tolerates praise-singers is on a downhill slide.

Some fans have expressed support for the song, with one commenting, “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness sake. There is no single lie in the song.” Another fan noted that the government’s quick reaction to ban the song was proof that the message resonated with people.