Indications have emerged that the Department of State Security Service (DSS) has put Eedris Abdulkareem in its watchlist over his new record label, ‘Tell Your Papa,’ due to its “objectionable nature”.
The development is coming barely one year after rapper released a song titled ‘Emilokan’, where he called out the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Already, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has prohibited Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the song amid fear that the song where the rapper criticised President Bola Tinubu government’s economic policies, could pollute airwaves.
The social critic berated President Tinubu for making “too many empty promises,” which he dismissed as “balablu grammar”.
He also called on Seyi Tinubu to convey Nigerians’ hardships to his father to ease the pains of Nigerians.
The song writer said, “tell your papa Seyi/ Tell your papa country hard/ Tell your papa people dey die/ Tell your papa Seyi/ This one don pass jagajaga/ Seyi, ebi n pa mekunu/ Tinubu, ebi n pa mekunu/ Seyi how far/ Your papa no try/ Too much empty promises/ Balablu grammar”.
In its defence, Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director, NBC said in a memo dated April 9th 2025, said the song was deemed to be in violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The Commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards are greatly appreciated. Thank you”, according to NBC.
Stakeholders are concerns that the crackdown that the song which was released on Monday could have a lasting impact on the music industry.
Leave a Reply