Nigeria Bans Politically Charged Rap Song Criticising President Tinubu’s Economic Policies
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Nigeria has recently banned the airing of a politically charged rap song that criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the economy. The artist behind the track, veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, revealed that his song, titled Tell Your Papa, has been deemed too controversial for broadcast.
In the song, Abdulkareem takes aim at Tinubu’s administration for the worsening economic hardship faced by Nigerians under his leadership. The track addresses Tinubu’s son, urging him to inform his father about the struggles of the Nigerian people due to economic pressures and continued insecurity. The lyrics, delivered in a blend of Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, have sparked controversy and led to the ban on its broadcast.
Abdulkareem shared a letter from the NBC on his Instagram page, dated Wednesday, instructing television and radio stations in Nigeria to refrain from playing the song, citing its objectionable nature. Despite media requests for comments, the NBC has not issued a public statement on the matter.
Abdulkareem expressed his disappointment with the ban, stating, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.” The legal advocacy group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also condemned the censorship, promising to take legal action against the government for violating freedom of expression.
President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of a fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the naira’s exchange rate, have caused widespread hardship in Nigeria. While these policies have been praised by some economists and international partners as necessary for long-term growth, they have led to soaring inflation and a plummeting naira value.
In response to the ban, Abdulkareem encouraged his fans to stream the song online, declaring, “We go stream.” Despite the challenges faced by artists in Nigeria when challenging those in power, Abdulkareem remains determined to make his voice heard through his music.
