Eedris Abdulkareem's Tell Your Papa: Nigerian government bans song criticising President Tinubu
The Nigerian authorities have banned broadcasters from playing the song Tell Your Papa, which criticises the country's leader.Artist Eedris Abdulkareem's lyrics slam President Bola Tinubu and urge his influential son, Seyi, to let his father know "people are dying" through hardship and insecurity and there is "hunger" in the country.In a letter to tv and radio stations, the National Broadcast Commission (NBC), which issues licenses and regulates the industry, ordered the track not to be played, saying it violates the country's broadcast code.The NBC said it considered Tell Your Papa's content to be "inappropriate" and "objectionable" adding that it falls short of public decency standards.
Released earlier in the week, Tell Your Papa has gained a lot of attention on social media in Nigeria and has sparked debate regarding the economic and security situation in the country.On becoming president in May 2023, Tinubu introduced a number of economic reforms which increased the cost of living.He dropped the fuel subsidy, which had long kept petrol prices low, saying that the government could no longer afford it. Fuel prices then jumped sharply which had a knock-on effect on the rest of the economy.Annual inflation was above 30% for most of last year and the price of some basic food items increased by even more.This has led some Nigerians to cut back on the number of meals they eat a day and the amount of food they consume.There are also worries about the level of insecurity in the country with kidnapping-for-ransom still a major issue and fears that Islamist militant group Boko Haram could make a resurgence in the north-east.On the track, in a mix of English, Yoruba and Pidgin, Abdulkareem tells Tinubu's son that his father "is not trying" and that he has made "too many empty promises".When it comes to insecurity, the artist urges Seyi to travel by road, instead of private jet, to experience the dangers faced by ordinary Nigerians.Tinubu's government has in the past defended its economic policies saying that the president was aiming to put the country on a stable footing in the long term.In order to deal with the short-term pain, the authorities have an on-going cash transfer scheme to help 15 million poorer Nigerian households. When it comes to security, the government has said that the situation has improved in the last 18 months.As the licensing authority, the NBC can sanction broadcasters for ignoring its orders. In the past they have fined stations and suspended licenses for violations.Abdulkareem is not new to controversy as he recorded a similar song in the past.In 2003, he released his most popular tune to date - Nigeria jaga jaga, meaning "Nigeria has spoiled". Then President Olusegun Obasanjo reacted harshly, publicly insulting Abdulkareem. The song was banned for broadcasters but gained popularity among Nigerians and became a street anthem.
You may also be interested in:
'How I survived Nigeria attack that killed my 16 friends'Huge data price hike sparks anger in Nigeria'We dig graves for free, like our fathers did before us''I've been sleeping under a bridge in Lagos for 30 years'The Nigerian professor who makes more money welding
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
I went to Wales' biggest free Welsh-language festival and one thing really stood out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info I moved to Wales four years ago, not knowing a word of Welsh. Now my Welsh is still very limited but when I first moved here, never did I imagine I would be attending Welsh language festivals. Welsh seemed a language I would never wrap my head around and certainly one I never thought I'd immerse myself in. I was also worried I wouldn't even be welcome at the festivals, being English and that being immediately identifiable as soon as I opened my mouth. How wrong I was. It turns out Welsh festivals are a bucket load of fun, get it, a reference to the famous Welsh bucket hats? And not something to be missed. Last year I attended three Welsh festivals, you can read about my first Eisteddfod here, and this year I returned to Tafwyl, ready to experience more. It is running in Cardiff's gorgeous Bute Park, the perfect setting for it, this weekend on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. There is so much to enjoy at Tawfyl, from the two music stages, endless food options, children's area, and more. As soon as you enter you are hit by the delicious smell of a range of street food and nearly overwhelmed with the Instagram opportunities, as two lovely signs declaring Tafwyl welcome you in. After that, you can mingle and mooch around the trade stalls which are all Welsh artists, designers, and makers, selling everything from prints to jewellery and more. (Image: Steph Colderick) From there the festival opens up wider with the Tafiliwn stage to the left and the main stage, Prif Lwyfan, bang in front of you. Here Welsh artists from across Wales take to the stage bringing everything from rap to even renditions of Dolly Parton and Abba in Welsh. Lining the sides of this are the amazing food traders including Hoggi Hoggi Hoggi, Greek options, vegan and vegetarian options, paella, and more. Walk on past the main stage and past more incredible food vendors and you come into the children's section which has its own smaller stage and plenty of activities to keep the little ones occupied, such as the sports area and sensory tent. This is where Tafwyl really comes into its own, as it really is for everyone. (Image: Steph Colderick) Welsh speakers, non-Welsh speakers. Old, young, and everyone in between. Families, couples, friends, and every combination possible. It is truly joyous to walk past families spread out on picnics with little ones running around, young people grabbing drinks at the bar, elderly couples, and every walk of life in Wales, in one place, celebrating Welsh culture. You don't need to be fluent in Welsh to bob along to the music and it's impossible not to see how much joy it brings and how it brings people together. And it is totally free. It really is accessible for everyone and you can bring your own food, unopened soft drinks and reusable water bottles, so you literally don't have to spend a penny. Welsh culture should never be hidden away and really is there for everyone to enjoy and Tafwyl I feel is the perfect example of this. Free, accessible, welcoming, and incredibly good vibes - I couldn't ask for more from any festival. Diolch Tafwyl.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Sam Ryder's 'disrespectful' national anthem at English rugby final stuns players and viewers
Sam Ryder's 'disrespectful' national anthem at English rugby final stuns players and viewers Eurovision star Sam Ryder took a different approach to God Save the King at Twickenham Sam Ryder plays the national anthem ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) Pop star Sam Ryder has caused a big stir among rugby viewers after a very different rendition of the English national anthem ahead of the Gallagher Premiership final. Eurovision star Ryder appeared in the middle of the Twickenham pitch as he performed God Save the King simply with an electric guitar. ITV Rugby commentator Alastair Eykyn said: "It's the national anthem, but not as we know it." The controversial move took viewers aback, with many less than enthusiastic about the departure from the norm. A number of players also seemed surprised by what was unfolding at the home of English rugby, with veteran Leicester prop Dan Cole appearing to struggle to keep a straight face. While there were some who appreciated God Save the King being done in a different way, most viewers expressed a different view on social media. Content cannot be displayed without consent 'Dan Cole's face says it all during that rendition of the national anthem,' said one. Article continues below Another added: 'Dan Cole's face says it all. Oh my days a picture is worth a thousand words or what?! Bonkers man!' "Sam Ryder playing the guitar to the national anthem is an absolute disgrace btw. So disrespectful," said a viewer on X. Further comments included: "Sam Ryder just killed the National Anthem at Twickenham" and "Who on earth thought that Sam Ryder performance was a good idea!" Bath were playing Leicester Tigers for the crown of English champions in front of a sell-out crowd. The UK's 2022 Eurovision entrant Ryder, 35, was the first British act to come second since Imaani in 1998, and the first to make it to the top five since Jade Ewen with It's My Time in 2009. Ryder has recently moved to the US and put down 'roots' in Nashville, which is associated with the country singer. He added: 'It's been a dream for a long time (to move there) and, but I didn't realise… finishing the album, my studio's here in the UK, so (I had) to come straight back and get the album done, so the problem is I've had zero sleep.' Ryder, from Essex, began as a TikTok star. He signed to the Parlophone record label, part of Warner Music Group, and released his debut EP, The Sun's Gonna Rise, in 2021, before going to Eurovision in 2022. Article continues below He was nominated for an Emmy for his Ted Lasso single, Fought & Lost, which he co-wrote for the hit Apple TV+ comedy. He has released new music including a Christmas single, You're Christmas To Me, which reached number two in the charts and a number one album titled There's Nothing But Space, Man!
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ashanti and Nelly's docu-series trailer lays bare ups and downs of romance
Singer Ashanti and Nelly heave finally released their docu-series displaying their love journey over the last 20 years from teenage infatuation to family life Singers Nelly and Ashanti's love life as been the talk of the town over decades. But since the birth of their baby boy Kareem last year, the pair have done their best to remain private while adapting to family life. And in doing so, it has left fans wondering how the pair conduct their lives on a day to day basis. But now we will know. Fans of the couple can now witness their home life in full view as their reality TV show ,Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together, is set to be aired later this month. In the promo clip posted on Instagram by the streaming platform Peacock, viewers will see a montage of the pair from when they were younger to present day. And within seconds, the camera pans to present day where both Ashanti and Nelly, individually claim that they "hated " each other when they first met. The promo then fast-forwards from 2013 to 2022 when Ashanti has given birth to their first child together. And we get to see her in the initial stages of motherhood, and Nelly, who is already a father, expressing his fatherhood methods - which will leave some open-mouthed. Thanks to their candid approach, the couple's life is now exposed to the public which includes fights, frolics and an insight to their romance, which was cemented it with a marriage in 2023. In the reality TV show that is streamed on Peacock, viewers will get to see the real life comings and goings of their favourite stars. An executive of Peacock told NBC online: "Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together follows the electrifying journey of this beloved couple as they reignite their love, navigate the ups and downs of newlywed life, and the challenges of parenthood while juggling their thriving careers. " They added: "Can this unstoppable duo prove that their love truly can conquer all? A fun-filled exploration of lbithove's second chances." Shortly after the birth of the couple's first child, a statement was released to PEOPLE magazine. The statement read: "Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!". Moments later, the singer took to her social media to announce the birth. She wrote at the time:" Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do!" She added: "Funny how life's plans aren' on time.. lol. I've been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings! She added: "This is what postpartum looks like I'm loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts! I'm so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby."
