“The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now,” he told The PUNCH. “The song has practically pinched the government somewhere.”
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has criticised the National Broadcasting Commission’s decision to ban rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, “Tell Your Papa”. The NBC labelled the track “Not To Be Broadcast” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, citing its “objectionable nature.”
But PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, said the ban would only fuel the song’s popularity.
“The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now,” he told The PUNCH. “The song has practically pinched the government somewhere.”
While noting the issue’s sensitivity, Okafor defended the song’s message: “We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth.”
“Tell Your Papa” is a direct message to President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, calling out Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation. In one verse, Abdulkareem raps: “Seyi, tell your papa people dey die… This one don pass jagajaga.”
