- NBC’s Ban: The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Eedris Abdulkareem’s song “Tell Your Papa” due to its objectionable content, classifying it as “Not To Be Broadcast” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
- Soyinka’s Reaction: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka criticizes the NBC’s decision, describing it as a return to censorship and a threat to free expression, emphasizing that the issue transcends content and concerns a fundamental democratic principle.
- Censorship Concerns: Soyinka argues that such censorship is counterproductive and dangerous to democratic development, pointing out the irony that it often benefits the targeted artist.
- Free Expression: He stresses that stifling unpalatable works of art or socio-political commentary undermines the fundamental right of free expression.
The NBC’s decision to ban “Tell Your Papa” stems from its lyrical content, which criticizes government policies and highlights widespread hardship in Nigeria, particularly in response to Seyi Tinubu’s praise of his father, President Bola Tinubu, as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history”. The song’s release on social media platforms didn’t go unnoticed, prompting the NBC to take action ¹.
Soyinka’s statement highlights his concerns about the implications of the NBC’s actions on artistic freedom and democratic principles. He humorously suggests that if the song is banned, the musician himself should be proscribed, and the musical association he belongs to should also face similar action. This tongue-in-cheek remark underscores his point about the absurdity of censorship.
The NBC’s ban on “Tell Your Papa” raises questions about the limits of artistic expression and the role of regulatory bodies in Nigeria’s media landscape. Soyinka’s critique emphasizes the potential consequences of such actions on democratic development and the importance of protecting free expression.
