Veteran Nigerian musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, has once again used his musical platform to address pressing national issues. The renowned hip-hop artist recently released a new song titled “Tell Your Papa,” in which he directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to speak to his father about the worsening situation in Nigeria. The track, which was shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, paints a stark picture of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly in the face of rising insecurity, inflation, and general hardship.
Abdulkareem’s song is a direct response to recent comments made by Seyi Tinubu during a visit to Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.” This remark, according to Abdulkareem, ignores the harsh realities that most Nigerians face daily. In his track, Abdulkareem urges Seyi Tinubu to convey the frustrations of the people to his father, asking him to acknowledge the worsening conditions in the country.
In “Tell Your Papa,” Abdulkareem delivers a blunt and straightforward message, highlighting the struggles that millions of Nigerians are currently enduring. He urges Seyi Tinubu to speak honestly to his father about the state of the nation. The track opens with the lines, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” referring to the chaotic state of the country. The term “jagajaga,” a Nigerian slang for disorder and confusion, is used by Abdulkareem to describe the current state of the nation, which he believes has spiraled out of control.
The song criticizes President Tinubu’s leadership, accusing him of failing to fulfill his campaign promises. Abdulkareem claims that many Nigerians are suffering due to the growing insecurity, inflation, and economic hardship that have defined the administration’s time in office. Through his music, the artist demands that the president takes accountability for the failures of his government, particularly in addressing the pressing security and economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
One of the core themes in the song is the ongoing insecurity in the country. Abdulkareem draws attention to the rising levels of violence, particularly kidnapping, which has become a major concern for Nigerians across various states. He accuses the government of not doing enough to tackle the security crisis, which has left many people living in constant fear.
In the track, Abdulkareem addresses Seyi Tinubu directly, saying, “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 line reflects the growing frustration with the lack of action on security issues, particularly as Nigerians continue to face abductions, armed robbery, and violent crimes that have become a daily threat in many parts of the country.
Additionally, the song also points to the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, notably the rising cost of living. Inflation has surged in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic goods and services. Abdulkareem’s lyrics highlight how the economic difficulties are hitting Nigerians hard, with many struggling to meet their basic needs.
A notable aspect of Abdulkareem’s song is his criticism of the political elite, particularly the Tinubu family, who are seen by many as out of touch with the struggles of the average Nigerian. Abdulkareem takes aim at the wealth and privileges enjoyed by Nigeria’s political leaders, contrasting it with the harsh conditions faced by the rest of the population.
In one of the more pointed parts of the song, Abdulkareem sings, “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.” The reference to private jet travel is a direct critique of the stark contrast between the luxurious lives of political elites and the daily hardships experienced by the masses. Abdulkareem suggests that while politicians, including Seyi Tinubu, move about in comfort and safety, ordinary Nigerians have to navigate dangerous roads plagued by kidnappers, bandits, and other threats.
This criticism is not new for Abdulkareem, who has long been known for using his music to speak out against inequality, corruption, and the failures of leadership in Nigeria. His 2004 hit song “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized the state of the nation, remains one of his most iconic tracks and continues to resonate with Nigerians who feel neglected by the government.
Eedris Abdulkareem has built a reputation for using his music as a form of social and political protest. In “Tell Your Papa,” Abdulkareem once again uses his platform to hold those in power accountable, offering a voice to the millions of Nigerians who feel their suffering is ignored by the government. Music has long been a powerful tool for political expression in Nigeria, with artists like Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, and now Abdulkareem, using their songs to comment on the political landscape and push for change.
Abdulkareem’s new track has resonated with many Nigerians, especially those frustrated with the current administration’s failure to deliver on key promises. The song’s straightforward approach and harsh critique of President Tinubu’s leadership reflect the deep disillusionment many Nigerians are feeling as they grapple with rising insecurity, poverty, and economic instability.
The release of “Tell Your Papa” has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many praising Abdulkareem for his courage in speaking out against the government. The song has become a rallying cry for those who feel that the political elite are out of touch with the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Abdulkareem’s music continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the role that artists can play in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable.
It remains to be seen how the Tinubu family will respond to Abdulkareem’s bold message. Given that Seyi Tinubu has publicly praised his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history,” it is possible that the administration will defend its record and highlight any perceived achievements. However, Abdulkareem’s song has already gained significant attention, particularly among Nigerians who feel that the government’s efforts to address their concerns have fallen short.
The Tinubu administration’s response to the song may also be shaped by the growing public pressure to address the issues of insecurity and economic hardship. As Abdulkareem’s message continues to resonate with Nigerians, the government may face increasing calls to take concrete actions to address the nation’s challenges.
Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” is not just a song, but a call to action for the Nigerian government. It highlights the deep disconnect between the political elite and the people they are meant to serve. By urging Seyi Tinubu to speak to his father about the suffering of Nigerians, Abdulkareem is calling for a change in how the government addresses the issues that affect the lives of everyday citizens.
The song’s release has sparked important conversations about the role of political leadership in addressing the country’s pressing challenges. It remains to be seen whether Abdulkareem’s bold message will lead to any meaningful change or whether the frustrations of the Nigerian people will continue to be ignored. For now, the song stands as a powerful critique of the current administration and a reminder that music can be a tool for social and political change in Nigeria.
