Eedris Abdulkareem builds a legacy of activism through music, using powerful songs Take care of yourself and Tell your dad Convene bad governance and tell the truth to power.
For twenty years, veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Voices against the view that government is wrong and social injustice. His latest protest single Tell your dadcurrently banning Nigerian radio waves by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Abdulkareem has once again sparked a nationwide debate, reaffirming his status as one of the country’s most outspoken music activists.
Legacy of protest: Take care of yourself era
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2uh1itr0os
Eedris Abdulkareem first became famous in its 2004 music release Take care of yourself. This is a blunt criticism of Nigeria’s corruption, poverty and mismanagement. The song resonated widely among frustrated people, but caused anger from the government. Then, President Olusegun Obasanjo Publicly condemns the song, claiming it portrays the country with a bad eye. The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission subsequently banned radio and television.
The controversy did not silence Abdulkareem, but amplified his voice. Take care of yourself Become the national anthem of protest and youth confusion, establishing him as a musical idol of rebellion. The phrase itself enters the public discourse as a shorthand for systemic dysfunction.
Tell your dad: The echo of modern protest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3H0L-QV864
Fast forward to April 2025: Abdulkareem release Tell your dada direct criticism of the track President Tinubu Ballmanagement. As lines question the rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and elite privilege, the song portrays a dismal picture of Nigeria’s current reality.
On April 10, 2025, NBC violated Nigerian broadcast regulations and banned the song. In a memorandum signed by Susan Obi, director of NBC broadcast monitoring coordinating, Tell your dad Tagged “Don’t be broadcasted (NTBB)” Under Article 3.1.8, the prohibited content is considered objectionable or violates public etiquette.
Abdulkareem responded quickly, likening the ban to earlier suppression Take care of yourself. “It is obvious that in Nigeria, factual and constructive criticism are always regarded as a major crime by the government,” He wrote on Instagram.
Despite the censorship, the virus
“Nigerians are in Sugli, Edris is in his songs. We’re going to reshoot the video and I’m going to sponsor everything”
– Verydarkman reacted after NBC banned media broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song “Seyi Tell Your Papa”. pic.twitter.com/qfievv7265
– Chuks🍥 (@chukserice) April 10, 2025
Despite being officially banned from Nigeria radio waves by NBC Tell your dad It has attracted more attention online, sparking a wave of debate and increasing support. One of the most famous voices supporting Eedris Abdulkareem is the controversial social media critic Martins straightcommonly known as esutdarkman (VDM). He condemned the ban, believed the song spoke difficult truths about the country’s situation and criticized the federal government’s attempt to silence the dissent.
As a showcase of support, VDM promises to sponsor a second music video for the song and keep the conversation alive. “Dear Eedris Abdulkareem, we’re going to shoot another video. This time, we’re going to sponsor it. I’ll be in the video,” VDM said, adding that they plan to feature President Tinubu’s appearance Tell your dad 2. Later, he shared a screenshot of the payment by photographer Shalom Chiki UYI, confirming that the work in the new video has begun.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria issued a powerful statement condemning NBC’s actions as illegal and directly infringed on Nigerians’ right to freedom of speech. “Nothing justifies the suffocation of creative freedom” The group said warned that such actions set dangerous precedents for censorship and media crackdowns. They called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately revoke the ban, which they say violates local and international human rights obligations.
The National Broadcasting Commission blatantly banned broadcasting of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song “Tell Your Papa” is a clear violation of freedom of speech, including the right to obtain information: https://q4eynhhhxvq
– AmnestyNigeria International (@AmnestyNigeria) April 11, 2025
The federal government insists that the song is “Disrespect”, Many Nigerians see the ban as an overreaction and only helps to expand Abdul Karem’s message. The track continues to trend across social media platforms. Videos of Nigerians at home and abroad dancing in songs and sharing frustration with the status quo of the country have surfaced. Online commentary called the song “tell the truth” and criticized the government “Close things they don’t want to hear.”
Nigerians abroad for Eedris Abdulkareem’s new viral song “Seyi Tell Your Papa”🎶🔥
– 𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏 (@entdaily001) April 14, 2025
Initially trying to curb protest songs turned into cultural moments. Once again, music, especially protest music, remains a powerful tool for Nigeria’s resistance.
Soyinka joins the competition
Wole Soyinka condemns ban on Eedris Abdulkareem songs, using satire to criticize government reviewers pic.twitter.com/azq5p6uesb
– Brand Icon Image (@brandiconimage) April 14, 2025
Nobel Prize winner Professor Wole Soyinkano one has ever shy away from the issue of civil liberties and has also fallen into controversy. He criticized NBC when he spoke at NYU Abu Dhabi “Dangerous return to censorship.”
“Not only alleged offensive records should be banned, but musicians should be banned.” Soyinka said sarcastically. “Next, PMAN or Abdulkareem is any music association that is members, and should also be under the hammer.”
He went on to warn that this censorship was counterproductive and contrary to democratic values. “The government’s intolerance of criticism is already on the slippery slope of the abyss,,,,,“ He said.
Soyinka admits he hasn’t heard the song, but emphasizes that the problem is bigger than the lyrics. “The ban can promote the artist’s nest eggs due to promotions from the Liberal Government. Mr. Abdul Karem must keep twisting his happy path. I envy him.”
Call for reflection on freedom of speech and accountability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqzgjcxpfy
ban Tell your dad Provide a mirror to reflect on the relationship between Nigerian state and dissent. Eedris Abdulkareem’s music originated from a tradition of protesting arts, revealing tensions between state power and creative freedom.
Agreeing with his lyrics or not, Abdulkareem’s continued participation in national issues is undeniable. His career illustrates the power of music, not only entertainment, but also challenges, challenges and inspiration.
In a country where many people are tired of bad politics and no longer trust government, artists like Eedris Abdulkareem help people speak out and hold leaders accountable. As Tell your dad Continue to spread online, which shows that forbidden songs cannot stop stopping powerful messages when time comes.
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