Eedris Abdulkareem's Anti-Tinubu Song Gains Massive Streams Amid Controversy

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways:

• Eedris Abdulkareem's song "Tell Your Papa" criticizes President Bola Tinubu's administration.
• The song was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for violating broadcasting codes.
• Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka condemned the ban as a suppression of free speech.
• The controversy led to increased streaming numbers on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
• The situation highlights ongoing issues of censorship and artistic freedom in Nigeria.

Table of Contents:

1. Background and Song Details
2. Ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
3. Wole Soyinka's Reaction
4. Public Response and Impact on Streaming
5. Relating to the Article on Gistreel
6. Conclusion

Background and Song Details

"Tell Your Papa" is a protest song created by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem. The song sharply criticizes President Bola Tinubu's administration, focusing particularly on the increasing socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria. Abdulkareem's motivation for the song stems from Seyi Tinubu's, the President's son, remark that his father is Nigeria's greatest president. In response, Abdulkareem created the track as a call to action for individuals like Seyi to communicate the real struggles faced by the populace to his father. Abdulkareem stressed that his message was not aimed at Seyi personally, but rather at advocating for the country’s issues to be acknowledged and addressed 4, 6.

Ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned "Tell Your Papa" from being played on radio and television. They cited a violation of the Nigerian broadcasting code as the reason for their action. The NBC found the song's content to be objectionable and inappropriate, which stoked considerable backlash from the public and critics alike 1, 3, 7.

Wole Soyinka's Reaction

Renowned playwright and Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka publicly condemned the NBC's ban. He characterized it as a disturbing return to the era of censorship and suppression of free speech. In an ironic twist, Soyinka suggested that not only should Abdulkareem and his artistic colleagues be censored, but even those who satirize the situation should face a similar ban. This remark highlights the absurdity of censoring creative expressions and criticism.

Soyinka emphasized that censorship often backfires, as it tends to draw more public attention to the work being suppressed, thus benefiting the targeted artist 2, 5, 8.

Public Response and Impact on Streaming

Despite the ban on "Tell Your Papa," the song has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. On YouTube alone, the song's view count leaped from around 22,754 views to over 89,000 in a short span. The number of likes also saw a significant increase, growing from 1,200 to more than 2,800 3, 7.

On Spotify, the streaming numbers soared beyond 30,000, which clearly indicates that the ban has inadvertently promoted the song. The actions taken by the government have been widely criticized, with many arguing that it stifles dissent and constructive criticism 3, 7.

Relating to the Article on Gistreel

The article on Gistreel reflects similar sentiments regarding the developments surrounding Abdulkareem's song "Tell Your Papa." It highlights a noticeable increase in streaming numbers post-NBC's ban, thus showcasing how the controversy has inadvertently acted as free publicity for the artist. The Gistreel article echoes Soyinka's critique of the government and emphasizes the idea that attempts to censor artistic expression can backfire, elevating visibility and engagement with the song.

Both Gistreel and other articles emphasize the broader implications that censorship has on free speech and artistic freedom within Nigeria. The story of Abdulkareem's song ties back to past instances of censorship, reminding the public and artists alike of the persistent battle for creative expression in the face of governmental restrictions 4, 6.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Eedris Abdulkareem's "Tell Your Papa" and its subsequent ban by the NBC has spotlighted several critical issues in Nigeria: censorship, freedom of speech, and the stressful role of the government in shaping public discourse. While the government aimed to suppress artistic criticism and dissent, the unintended consequence has been an increase in the song's popularity, reinvigorating discussions about democratic rights and the importance of artistic expression.

Abdulkareem's situation is a reflection of past conflicts over censorship, such as the prohibition of his iconic song "Jaga Jaga." This situation serves as an ongoing reminder of the challenges faced by artists in Nigeria as they continue to grapple with the capacity of the government to tolerate dissenting views.

In summary, "Tell Your Papa" has not only become a rallying cry for frustrated citizens but also a testament to the unstoppable nature of creativity in the face of oppression.

For more information:

• Tell Your Papa: Soyinka slams Tinubu's government over ban on Eedris Abdulkareem's song
• Soyinka slams NBC ban, Eedris Abdulkareem's "Tell Your Papa" accused Tinubu governors of suppressing free speech
• Eedris Abdulkareem's anti-Tinubu song gains streams as Soyinka slams NBC
• Wole Soyinka slams NBC for banning Eedris Abdulkareem's song