Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has explained that his latest song was not aimed at insulting President Bola Tinubu but was rather a direct response to comments made by the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Abdulkareem stated that he was moved to record the song after seeing a video of Seyi repeatedly praising his father as Nigeria’s greatest president and urging people to defend him. According to the artist, he would never have made the track if Seyi had remained silent. He emphasized that the song was not personal but a reaction to public claims that felt disconnected from the reality Nigerians are facing.
He questioned Seyi Tinubu’s understanding of the country’s struggles and suggested that silence would have served him better than trying to speak on issues he failed to grasp. Abdulkareem criticized the younger Tinubu’s attempt to defend the government while millions of Nigerian youths are battling unemployment, insecurity, and daily hardship. He challenged Seyi to experience life on Nigerian roads without armed protection, saying it would give him a glimpse into what everyday citizens go through.
The rapper also condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s decision to ban the track. He described the action as hypocritical and deeply disappointing. Abdulkareem said that banning a song for speaking the truth does nothing to solve the country’s problems. Instead of holding leaders accountable, he said, the commission was choosing to silence artists who dare to speak out. He called it a clear attempt to suppress freedom of expression.
Reflecting on his legacy of activism through music, Abdulkareem drew a parallel between the current situation and what happened in 2004 when his hit “Nigeria Jaga Jaga” was banned by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He expressed dismay that after 24 years, nothing has improved. In fact, he believes the situation may have worsened. Despite this, he remains committed to using music to speak on behalf of ordinary Nigerians.
He affirmed that his mission is far from over. As long as the country is failing its people, he will continue to raise his voice through music. And if the day ever comes when Nigeria truly starts working for its citizens, Abdulkareem said he will be the first to celebrate it in song.
