Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has claimed he was offered a ₦200 million bribe to suppress his protest song “Tell Your Papa,” which criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a video shared on social media, Abdulkareem recounted receiving a call from an individual who identified himself first as an “Honourable” and later as a “Senator.” The caller allegedly mentioned attending a meeting with Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, and other government officials, and proposed the bribe as a form of underground support for the rapper’s activism. Abdulkareem stated he immediately rejected the offer, suspecting it was an attempt to manipulate and discredit him.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently banned “Tell Your Papa” from radio and television broadcasts, citing its content as inappropriate. The song, which addresses economic hardship and governance issues in Nigeria, has sparked debates on censorship and freedom of expression. Despite the ban, Abdulkareem remains defiant, asserting that he will not be silenced and will continue to use his music as a platform for activism.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have criticized the NBC’s action, viewing it as a misuse of regulatory power and a threat to artistic freedom. They argue that such censorship only amplifies the song’s message and relevance amid Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.
Abdulkareem is known for his history of using music as a tool for social commentary, notably with his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” which also faced government backlash. His recent experiences underscore ongoing tensions between artists and authorities in Nigeria
