Veteran rapper calls out President Tinubu’s son for praising his father amid widespread hardship and insecurity in Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria — April 9, 2025 – Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has sparked national debate with a politically charged new single titled Tell Your Papa, directly addressing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over recent remarks hailing his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
In the song, Abdulkareem urges Seyi to deliver a heartfelt message to the president about the worsening state of the country. The outspoken musician criticizes the younger Tinubu for being “insensitive” to the economic hardship, rampant insecurity, and suffering faced by millions of Nigerians.
The track appears to be a direct response to comments Seyi Tinubu made in March during a youth gathering in Adamawa State, where he praised his father’s leadership and declared that history would remember President Tinubu as Nigeria’s most outstanding leader. His remarks drew widespread backlash, particularly on social media, where users accused him of being disconnected from the everyday realities of Nigerians.
“Seyi, Tell Your Papa Country Hard”
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his long history of protest music and social commentary, did not mince words in the new single. Blending street slang and fiery political critique, the artist painted a bleak picture of life under the current administration.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” he raps—a reference to his iconic 2004 hit Jaga Jaga, which condemned government corruption and mismanagement.
He continues:
“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.”
The song echoes the frustrations of citizens grappling with skyrocketing food prices, fuel scarcity, currency instability, and a nationwide rise in crime, including abductions and terrorist attacks.
Criticism of Privilege and Detachment
One of the song’s most biting lines challenges Seyi Tinubu’s privileged lifestyle and questions whether he truly understands the struggles of ordinary 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,” Abdulkareem sings.
The line reflects a common sentiment among many Nigerians who feel the country’s elite—especially political families—are shielded from the harsh realities the public endures daily.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his administration has faced growing criticism for the country’s economic trajectory. His decision to remove fuel subsidies and unify the exchange rate, though praised by international financial institutions, has had severe consequences for the average Nigerian household.
A Legacy of Activism Through Music
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to political expression. The rapper made national headlines two decades ago with his controversial track Nigeria Jaga Jaga, which was banned from airwaves under the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite the backlash, the song resonated deeply with a generation disillusioned by corruption and poverty.
In the years since, Abdulkareem has continued to use music as a platform to speak truth to power, often challenging the government on issues of justice, inequality, and human rights.
His latest song, Tell Your Papa, is part of a growing movement of artists leveraging their platforms to critique political leadership and advocate for change.
Mixed Reactions Across Nigeria
As with most politically charged statements, public reactions to Abdulkareem’s latest track have been divided.
Supporters have hailed the song as a courageous expression of popular discontent. “This is what true artistry is about,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Speaking for the voiceless. We’re tired of suffering in silence.”
Another commented: “Seyi Tinubu needed this reality check. Nigerians are not fools—we know what we’re going through every day.”
On the other hand, critics have accused the rapper of opportunism and questioned his motives. “What has Eedris done for the country apart from complaining?” one commenter asked. “It’s easy to point fingers when you’re not in the driver’s seat.”
Some defenders of the administration argue that the president inherited many of the country’s problems and is working toward long-term structural reforms. However, Abdulkareem’s song suggests that many citizens have lost patience with that narrative.
The Growing Role of Artists in Political Discourse
Nigeria’s vibrant music scene has long served as a vehicle for social commentary, from Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat anthems to modern Afrobeats’ occasional political statements. As economic pressures mount, more artists are feeling compelled to speak out.
“We’re seeing a reawakening of protest music,” said a Lagos-based cultural critic. “People like Eedris Abdulkareem are using their legacy and credibility to challenge power. In a climate where free speech is sometimes under threat, music remains one of the safest and most effective tools for dissent.”
Seyi Tinubu Yet to Respond
As of press time, neither Seyi Tinubu nor the Presidency has officially responded to the song or its criticism. The young Tinubu, known for his presence in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic circles, has mostly avoided direct political commentary, save for rare appearances like the Adamawa youth event.
His recent comments, however, have inadvertently cast him into the political spotlight—one that critics like Abdulkareem are not hesitating to scrutinize.
Looking Ahead
Whether Tell Your Papa will trigger a broader cultural or political shift remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that Eedris Abdulkareem has once again tapped into the frustration and fatigue of everyday Nigerians, many of whom feel ignored by the corridors of power.
The message is unambiguous: the public is watching—and they have something to say.
