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| Wole Soyinka speaks out against NBC's ban on 'Tell Your Papa' |
April 14, 2025 – Nigerian authorities have barred radio and TV from airing a protest song. The ban came two days after the song’s release.
Eedris Abdulkareem released “Tell Your Papa” to call out Nigeria’s deep economic woes. The song targets President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. The artist uses simple words to ask for basic needs like food and jobs.
The National Broadcasting Commission called the song “objectionable.” It said the song breaks rules on public decency. The ban is based on Nigeria’s broadcast code.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka condemned the ban in a press release from New York University, Abu Dhabi. He said the act shows a return to old forms of censorship. He urged the government to let artists speak their mind.
Soyinka used dry humor to add that the ban might boost Abdulkareem’s fame. He argued that silencing artists only makes them more popular. Soyinka warned that banning art can hurt the country’s growth.
Many Nigerians and rights groups share his view. They say the ban stifles free speech and harms democratic debate. Some point to the song’s mix of Pidgin and Yoruba as a tool to connect with the people.
Critics note that this is not the first time the government has clamped down on dissent. Eedris faced a similar ban for his earlier song. In the past, his track “Jaga Jaga” was also pulled for its harsh critique of power.
Supporters of the ban claim that the music violates broadcast rules. They argue that media must follow rules to protect public decency. The commission says that stations must follow its memo to keep a standard on air.
Despite the official ban, the song has trended on social media. It has spurred heated debate across online platforms. Many citizens share their views about freedom and rights. The music video quickly gained thousands of views on YouTube.
Critics of the ban see it as a sign of growing intolerance. They worry that the government is trying to silence voices that speak out on tough issues. They believe that more voices will push for change.
Soyinka’s remarks stressed that free expression is key to a healthy society. He spoke plainly and urged the government to reverse the ban. He also hinted that the measure could lead to unintended support for the banned song.
In his statement, Soyinka noted that art has a strong way to reach hearts. He said that in any true democracy, art should be allowed to challenge power. His words call for a re-examination of state control over the arts.
This incident comes at a time when Nigeria faces rising economic challenges and public unrest. The government has defended its stand by saying such measures maintain order. Yet, many feel that freedom must not be compromised.
The debate over “Tell Your Papa” reflects wider tensions in Nigeria. Music remains a strong medium for social change. It brings truth to light and gives common people a voice.
Government leaders now face a tough choice. They must balance rules with the right to free speech. As the song gains more attention, many expect calls to lift the ban soon.
Citizens and activists call on authorities to listen to public outcry. They urge the government to use dialogue rather than silencing dissent. This may help build trust in state institutions.
The case of “Tell Your Papa” shows that art can stir strong feelings. It invites people to reflect on the state of democracy in Nigeria. The issue remains a live point in national debate.
By choosing to ban the song, authorities risk deepening political divides. Many feel that embracing dialogue offers a better way forward than censorship.
As events unfold, the world watches Nigeria’s struggle with free speech. What happens next will shape the role of art in society for years to come.