'Tell your papa': Nigerians condemn banning of song | DW News
By DW News
Summary of YouTube Video: Nigeria Bans Song Criticizing President Tinubu
Key Concepts:
- Song ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
- Freedom of speech vs. government control
- Economic hardship in Nigeria under President Tinubu
- Social activism through music
- Legal challenges to the ban
- Role of artists in addressing social issues
1. The Ban and its Justification
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Nigeria has banned Idris Abdul Karim's song "Tell Your Papa," citing violations of public decency standards. The song is critical of President Bola Tinubu and addresses the hardship and hunger faced by many Nigerians. The ban was triggered after President Tinubu's son declared his father the best president in Nigeria's history, sparking outrage on social media due to rising living costs.
2. Content of the Song "Tell Your Papa"
The song directly criticizes President Tinubu, referencing empty promises and the disconnect between the president and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. It mentions issues like kidnappings and insecurity, urging the president to experience the pain felt by citizens.
Example:
- "Don't pass dance alpha I swear your papri too much empty promises blue gramma blue wala on behalf of Nigerians take our message to him kidnappers they kill Nigerians [ __ ] try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerian"
3. Public Reaction to the Ban
The ban has been met with criticism from the public, who view it as an infringement on freedom of speech. Many feel that citizens should have the right to express their opinions about the government's actions. Despite the ban, the song has gained popularity, especially on social media platforms.
Quotes:
- "I feel like it's oppression like so the citizens do not have rights to say what's in their mind is it a dictatorship or um a government for the people by the people"
- "It's not actually necessary because it's actually saying what we Nigerians are actually facing in the country right now so I think they have no right to have banned the song because it's expressing itself as freedom of speech"
4. Legal Perspective on the Ban
Human rights lawyer Kola Uluadare argues that the ban stifles democracy and promotes self-censorship among artists and the media. He believes the ban is not legal, necessary, or proportional, violating Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the African Charter.
Key Argument:
- The ban creates an environment where only voices praising the government are heard, suppressing dissent and critical perspectives.
5. Idris Abdul Karim's Response
Idris Abdul Karim believes the ban is a reaction to his song's message reaching the president. He sees the NBC's action as "eye service" to the president or a response to pressure from the president's son. He defends his role as a social activist using music to address social and economic issues in Nigeria.
Quotes:
- "My responsibility is to use my music to liberate my people to speak about the social economical economy situation in the country to talk about the ills in the country"
- "There was nothing wrong with the song for the NBC to aband the song i guess what happened basically was um NBC felt like ah this song um this protest song is directly to the president and his son let's let's quickly ban it so the president will know that we are working so it's just some kind of eye service or maybe the president's son reach out to them and say that you hear what this boy is saying you going to ban the song any one of those could have happened"
6. The Artist's Responsibility
Karim emphasizes the responsibility of artists to speak out on social issues, despite potential consequences. He references his past work, such as the song "Mr. Lecturer," which exposed sexual harassment in universities. He criticizes artists who focus solely on entertainment and neglect the pressing issues facing Nigerians.
Examples:
- Rising cost of basic goods: A bag of gari has increased from approximately 15,000 naira before 2015 to 70-80,000 naira today, and a bag of rice is about 100,000 naira. Spaghetti has increased from about 50 naira to 800 naira.
- Workers earning 70,000 naira cannot afford basic necessities like electricity.
7. Economic Hardship and Government Policies
Karim attributes the economic hardship to President Tinubu's policies, including borrowing money from the World Bank and IMF, which he claims leads to anti-people policies.
8. Legal Action and Support
Some groups, including SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project), are taking legal action against the government over the ban. Karim expresses his support for these efforts and is willing to appear in court to support SERAP.
9. Conclusion
The ban on Idris Abdul Karim's song highlights the tension between freedom of expression and government control in Nigeria. The controversy underscores the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians and the role of artists in addressing social issues. The legal challenges to the ban represent an effort to uphold constitutional rights and hold the government accountable.
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