In his latest song, “Tell Your Papa,” Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem sent Seyi Tinubu to his father, President Bola Tinubu.
Eedris once again turned his attention to the country’s ongoing economic struggles, calling out the government amid the economic hardship.
At 51, he again uses his platform to voice the suffering many Nigerians are experiencing under the current administration. The new track serves as a direct message to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son. He urged him to speak to his father about the harsh realities on the ground.
Eedris pleads to Seyi to address the difficulties Nigerians are facing. He made this known by singing, “Tell your papa Seyi/ Tell your papa country hard/ Tell your papa people dey die.”
His lyrics express the depth of hardship and plight of many Nigerians. He condemns the government for making what he describes as “too many empty promises.” He also accused them of offering only “balablu grammar,” a phrase that suggests meaningless or empty words.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that the rapper’s words reflect a sense of frustration and disappointment. It comes amid the government’s inability to address the nation’s most pressing issues.
“Seyi, ebi n pa mekunu/ Tinubu, ebi n pa mekunu,” Eedris raps, a direct reference to economic woes and loss of lives in Nigeria
He accuses the administration of failing to live up to its promises. signaling a sentiment that many Nigerians share as they grapple with the rising costs of living.
It should be noted that Eedris has long used his music as a tool for social and political commentary. This isn’t the first time he has criticized the government.
Noted that in June 2024, he released the song “Emilokan,” in which he challenged Pastor Enoch Adeboye, founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to be as outspoken against Tinubu’s administration as he had been against the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Through his music, Eedris has consistently raised his voice on matters of national concern. He has been outspoken against government failure to address citizens’ needs.
It should also be recalled that his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized the state of the nation. The song was banned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
But despite the ban, the song became an underground anthem, resonating with many Nigerians who felt similarly disenfranchised.
