Eedris Abdulkareem denies targeting Seyi Tinubu in his new song, “Tell Your Papa,” stating that it responds to public comments rather than a personal attack.
Speaking on Rubbin’ Minds, a Sunday programme aired on Channels Television, Abdulkareem clarified the message behind the track. He said the song was not a personal attack on Seyi Tinubu but a response to the younger Tinubu’s public statement.
Seyi Tinubu had earlier declared that his father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the “best president Nigeria has ever had.” He made the comment in March 2025 while speaking in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.
“Tell your papa” is not personal
Abdulkareem said this statement prompted him to record Tell Your Papa. According to him, the song is a wake-up call—not just for Seyi Tinubu—but for the Nigerian government to address the country’s growing economic and security problems.
“I didn’t attack Seyi Tinubu,” Abdulkareem stated clearly. “I only responded to what he said publicly. If he hadn’t made that video, I wouldn’t have released the song. It was his comment that inspired me.”
He stressed that the song reflects the voices of Nigerian youths who are tired of suffering and want real change.
Call for real change, not palliatives
“Nigerians are not asking for too much,” he said. “They just want steady electricity, better security, jobs, and a working economy. We don’t need handouts or palliatives. We need real solutions.”
The rapper, known for his socially conscious music, added that he has always used music to speak truth to power. He said his message has always been about justice and accountability—not personal attacks.
NBC bans the song, sparks outrage
However, his new song quickly sparked controversy. Shortly after its release, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) labeled it “inappropriate” and placed a ban on its broadcast across Nigerian radio and television stations.
This decision has triggered a wave of criticism from the public, including notable figures in the arts and civil society.
Wole Soyinka condemns censorship
Among the critics is Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. Soyinka condemned the ban, calling it an “attack on free speech” and a dangerous step toward censorship. He warned that silencing artists and musicians could lead to a culture of fear and suppression.
“This is not just about Eedris,” Soyinka said in a statement. “It’s about the right of every Nigerian to speak up through music, art, and opinion.”
24 years later, same message
Abdulkareem also addressed this issue during the TV interview. He expressed disappointment that more than two decades after his hit song Nigeria Jaga Jaga, the country is still battling the same problems.
“It’s been 24 years since Nigeria Jaga Jaga came out,” he said. “Sadly, nothing has changed. The same issues are still here—bad roads, poor electricity, insecurity, and unemployment. The song is still relevant because Nigeria is still in the same mess.”
“Music is my weapon”
He added that censorship cannot silence the truth. “No matter how many times they ban my songs, I’ll keep speaking the truth,” he said. “Music is my weapon. I’ll keep using it to fight for the people.”
A song that sparked a national debate
Abdulkareem’s statement has sparked conversations across social media and news platforms, with many Nigerians supporting his stance. They argue that music is a powerful tool for change and should not be stifled by government agencies.
As debates continue, one thing is clear—Tell Your Papa has struck a nerve. Whether seen as protest music or social commentary, it has brought national attention back to the conversation about governance, freedom of expression, and the role of artists in society.
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