The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has strongly objected to the National Broadcasting Commission’s ban on rapper Edris Abdulkareem’s trending song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa.
Yesterday, PMAN President Pretty Okafor cautioned that the ban might backfire, as it would only increase the song’s reach and relevance given the current socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
Okafor stated, “The first major mistake is banning the song because it will make the song go viral right now. Those who haven’t heard about the song or haven’t even listened to it will now go to look for the song and will start promoting it. The song has practically pinched the government somewhere, that’s why they ordered for the ban. So, there is already a mistake that has been made by the NBC or even the government by paying attention to that particular song.”
In discussing PMAN’s stance on this issue, Okafor stated: “We don’t have the power to offer the artiste support right now because it is a very sensitive issue, so we need to be careful. We will just be watching because people are dying, and the suffering is too much.
“How do we repair the economy? We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth, and there is nothing wrong with that song.”
The NBC barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending hit song, “Tell Your Papa,” by popular Nigerian Legendary rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.”
The Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, on April 9, 2025, issued a memo declaring the track “Not To Be Broadcast” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
This section prohibits airing content that is inappropriate or offensive or violates public decency on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
Related: NBC Restricts Media Houses From Playing Song “Seyi Tell Your Papa”
According to NBC, while the song gained traction on social media, its lyrical content did not align with the standards of responsible broadcasting.
The statement titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, reads, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.
The song responds to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments in Adamawa State, where he referred to his father as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history.”
“The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
The eye-opening song, released earlier this week, is a message explicitly directed at Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to confront his father over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria.
The immediate response from the president of PMAN against the circular released by NBC restricting media houses from playing Edris Abdulkareem’s newly released song directed at Seyi Tinubu is a massive show of solidarity for their member, and all other organizations or bodies in Nigeria should learn to stand for their ground and fight for their own in terms of trial, especially when they are speaking the truth that many others coward away from speaking.
Further, this move by the PMAN President, Susan Obi, might encourage other artists to create content that would focus majorly on addressing National issues, subsequently prompting political entities to engage in policies that would foster a healthy environment for all cultures to thrive.
