Category: Entertainment
Eedris Abdulkareem Raises Alarm Over N200M Bribe
Nigerian musician Eedris Abdukareem has raised the alarm over an attempt to set him up with a N200,000million bribe following the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) ban on his single; ‘Tell Your Papa.’ Eedris, who spoke in vernacular, made this revelation in a video posted on his Instagram field on Friday. His words; “Okay, my people, how una dey? Make I give una very very quick updates. “So, I got a call from one criminal. Honourable Chisom Jabale. Him no wan make I hear the name sef and after the call, I said what’s your name again. He said Senator…I said Ole leleyi (This one is a thief). “So, the idiot was now telling me that he was in a meeting with Seyi (Tinubu) and this government, that they are trying to bribe you. Don’t listen to them. “We are going to be sponsoring you underground and I said who told you that I need anything. (sic). Immediately, I heard his voice, I said this one nah them send am. I said I’m not interested. He said we would give you 200million and I said the video wey I shoot, nah you sponsor me underground? “I say make una go sidon somewhere. I’m not inetersted. Wetin dey worry una nah? “So, I knew he was sent. Awon Ole buruku (Thieves). Nah me una wan record take do caricature. I don prepare for una tey tey.”
MRA Condemns NBC’s Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song ‘Tell Your Papa’
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to radio and television stations across the country not to broadcast the song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, describing it a blatant abuse of regulatory power, a violation of constitutional rights, and a dangerous affront to freedom of expression. The NBC issued a directive dated April 9, 2025 through its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Ms Susan Obi, titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem” and addressed to all broadcast stations, asking them to refrain from airing the song as its content is deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its alleged objectionable nature. The Commission claimed that the song “is, therefore, classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.” However, in a statement issued in Lagos by its Programme Officer, Ms Ayomide Eweje, MRA described Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code” as nebulous, observing that the provision merely states that “A programme or musical content classified as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ (NTBB) shall not be broadcast” without stating any basis for such classification, what kind of content qualifies for not to be broadcast status or under what circumstances a programme or musical content can be classified as NTBB. She described this provision of the Code as a recipe for arbitrariness and the directive as a misuse of regulatory authority and powers, saying that the NBC has completely confused its role as a supposedly independent media regulatory body with that of a propaganda agency charged with shielding the government from criticism or embarrassment. Ms Eweje said: “The NBC’s decision to ban the airing of a socially and politically conscious song without a clear legal basis or due process amounts to censorship. It is a clear attempt to stifle artistic expression and silence dissenting voices, both of which are fundamental elements of a democratic society. Such actions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which are binding on Nigeria.” She argued that artists have the right and freedom to use their platforms to critique governance and criticize governments, raise awareness, and reflect public sentiment and that the NBC, as a regulatory body, must act within the bounds of the law and not serve as a tool for suppressing uncomfortable truths or politically charged content that challenges the status quo. Ms Eweje called on the Commission to immediately rescind the ban on “Tell Your Papa” and refrain from arbitrary actions that erode public trust in it; infringe on the constitutional rights of Nigerians “to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”; and shrink the civic space, adding “We also urge all stakeholders in the media and creative sectors, as well as civil society, to resist any attempt to muzzle freedom of expression under the guise of regulation.” She stressed that MRA remained committed to defending the rights of all Nigerians, including, journalists, artists, academics and other citizens, to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, without fear of censorship, repression or reprisals.
Eedris’ Song: Tinubu Gets 48 hours Ultimatum to Reverse Ban
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has handed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 48 hours ultimatum to reverse the ban on the single track of Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareeem. The National Broadcasting Commission had on April 9 issued a memo declaring that the track ‘Tell Your Papa’ not to be aired on all television and radio stations in the country. The Commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code for its action, saying the track content is deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms. In a post on Twitter now X, SERAP, however, has threatened to institute a court process should the Commission refuse to reverse the ban after 48 hours. “The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single. “We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” SERAP stated.
Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’ Banned from Radio, TV
The National Broadcasting Commission has barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.” In a memo dated April 9, 2025 and issued by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission declared the track Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms. According to the NBC, while the song has gained momentum across social media platforms, its lyrical content fails to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting. The statement titled, “Restriction on boradcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,’ read, “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. ” 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 greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan Obi -Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.” The controversial song, released earlier this week, targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to confront his father over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria. In the track titled “Tell Your Papa,” which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Abdulkareem delivered a blunt message, painting a grim picture of the hardships facing everyday Nigerians. The song comes in response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.” In the hard-hitting lyrics, Abdulkareem raps, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.” “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians. “Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”
Comedy House on Fire as Seyi Law, Mr. Macaroni Fight Dirty
Prominent Nigerian comedians, Seyi Lawrence popularly known as Seyi Law and Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo also known as Mr. Macaroni are on each others jugular over who brought the latter to limelight. Social media is awash with both comedians claims as at press time. While Seyi Law claimed to the the brain behind Mr. Macaroni’s development in the industry, which the ‘Freakie Freakie’ Star denied.. In a post on Thursday, Seyi Law while promoting his show tagged; ’20 Years on stage, The Mic Tyson,’ said he was instrumental to Mr. Macaroni’s journey. He also backed it with a video. The 41-year old comedian wrote; “There are so many things that are oblivious to the media, and one of them is how I have selflessly supported several talents in this country without collecting a dime. Many may not acknowledge my impact in their lives, but that doesn’t write them off. “I remember my cousin, @toluthejesusbaby, disturbed me several times to meet this young, talented Nigerian, and he brought him to my mother’s birthday in January 2020. I spoke with him, and I agreed to support his craft. “I wrote this script for him and went ahead to act with him, and like they say, the rest is history. Many skit makers benefited from my benevolence by using my voice, where I shouted, ‘Yeeee! Yeeeee!!’ in their skits without royalty payment. ‘Kundus’ to them for their massive success. “While some of them are grateful, others like @talkingdrum_cfrn who used one of my jokes from an experience in my elder brother’s house and turned around to tell me, the same thing happened in their home. “Anyway, it has been 20 years of God’s grace and impact.” In a swift reaction, Mr. Macaroni refuted the claims, stressing that he had been a widely known comedian and that his skits have alreadily gone viral before the Seyi Law’s episode. “Ehya Uncle Seyi, you shouldn’t be doing this to yourself. I am ashamed that you are doing this and it breaks my heart that I also have to respond to you this way to correct some of these unnecessary lies. “Firstly, I never asked your cousin to reach out to you on my behalf. How could he have brought me to ask for your support in 2020 when it was you who reached out to me in December 2019 telling me you had an idea that would do so well if we worked on it together. “Bear in mind that I was already a viral sensation at this time with the daddy wa contents having almost 100,000 followers which is why you reached out with the idea. I don’t deny that collaborating with you on that content was a big deal for me for which i showed love and respect and reciprocated when you also called upon me to help you promote your show. “Secondly, contrary to your claim that you agreed to support me when Tolu brought me to your Mom’s birthday in January 2020, you invited me yourself for the birthday celebration and I honored you with my presence. “I remember taking pictures with some of your guests who were happy to see me and we all had a great time. Thirdly, before I posted the content I created with you, I already had over 100k followers with lots of viral contents including collaboration with other Stars e.g Lateef Adedimeji and Broda Shaggi to mention a few. “Lastly, you shared this idea with me and we worked on it together to make the content. “You making it seem like I was one nuisance that ambushed you at your mother’s birthday party who you decided to help is far from the truth! You saw an existing value, made an investment and cashed out when you called me to help promote your show two months after,” the 31-year old refutes unequivocally.
This Lagos Museum Is Challenging The Traditional ‘Eurocentric’ Model
A new museum in Lagos is rewriting the rules of art curation by moving away from the traditional Eurocentric lens that has long dominated global museums. The recently opened John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located in the heart of Lagos Island, is leading this shift by placing African stories, voices, and aesthetics at the center of its exhibitions. Unlike many Western institutions that often showcase African artifacts in isolation or as relics of a bygone era, the John Randle Centre presents Yoruba culture as a living, evolving force. From multimedia installations to immersive storytelling, the museum blends tradition with technology to tell the Yoruba people’s history from their own perspective — vibrant, dynamic, and unapologetically local. Curators at the museum have taken a bold approach, collaborating with historians, artists, and community members to build exhibits that reflect Yoruba identity beyond colonial narratives. Items on display are not only historical artifacts but also contemporary pieces that explore themes of heritage, spirituality, fashion, and resistance. By redefining how African culture is presented, the Lagos-based museum is not only preserving history but also reclaiming it. In doing so, it challenges the global art world to reconsider whose stories are told — and how they are told — within the walls of museums.
Nigerian Cinema Shines as My Father’s Shadow Set to Premiere at Cannes Film Festival
In a landmark development for Nigerian cinema, My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature film by Nigerian-British director Akinola Davies Jr., is scheduled to premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This selection not only underscores the film’s artistic merit but also highlights the growing recognition of African storytelling on the global stage. Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, the film follows two young brothers, Remi and Akin, as they navigate Lagos with their estranged father, Folarin. Throughout their journey, they encounter the city’s vastness and witness their father’s daily struggles amidst political unrest. The film boasts a talented cast led by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for his roles in His House and Gangs of London. The production is a collaborative effort among Element Pictures, Fatherland Productions, BBC Film, and the British Film Institute (BFI). It has also garnered international distribution through Mubi for territories including North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey. Akinola Davies Jr. expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the film to life, stating that working with Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù elevated the script to new heights. He also acknowledged the support from BBC Film, the BFI, and the production teams that made the project possible. The premiere of My Father’s Shadow at Cannes represents a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema, reflecting the industry’s expanding influence and the universal appeal of its narratives. As the film continues its journey through international festivals, it paves the way for more African stories to be told and celebrated worldwide.
Davido Sets Date for White Wedding with Chioma
Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially announced the date for his long-anticipated white wedding with his longtime partner, Chioma Rowland. The couple, who have been together for several years and share a son, are set to tie the knot in a lavish ceremony that fans and celebrities alike have been eagerly waiting for. The announcement, made via Davido’s social media platforms, has sent waves of excitement through the entertainment world. While the singer didn’t reveal too many details, he confirmed that the white wedding will take place in Lagos and promised it would be a grand celebration of love and family. Davido and Chioma had their traditional wedding in a private ceremony, and since then, fans have been speculating about when the white wedding would happen. Known for his deep affection for Chioma, Davido often refers to her as his “wife” even before the legal formalities were completed. As preparations begin for what many are calling the wedding of the year, the couple has received an outpouring of congratulations and support from fans, fellow artists, and public figures. With Davido’s star power and Chioma’s graceful presence, their upcoming wedding is set to be a beautiful celebration of love, loyalty, and culture.