VeryDarkMan To Sponsor New Video For Banned Song ‘Tell Your Papa’ By Eedris Abdulkareem

Protest Song Faces Government Censorship

Nigerian social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has made headlines for pledging financial support to produce a new music video for Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song, “Tell Your Papa.” The track, which delivers a strong political message, was recently banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on claims that it was inappropriate and offensive.

According to LMSINT MEDIA reports, the Federal Government’s action stirred public attention toward the song, sparking debates over freedom of expression in Nigeria.

NBC Ban Sparks Viral Outrage

The NBC officially prohibited the broadcast of “Tell Your Papa” on radio and television, stating the lyrics were not suitable for public media. However, this ban seemingly backfired, increasing curiosity around the song, which initially flew under the radar.

In response, VeryDarkMan lambasted the government for attempting to silence truth through censorship. He stated that the song’s message about economic hardship and rising insecurity in Nigeria reflected the reality many citizens face daily.

VeryDarkMan’s Pledge to Sponsor New Music Video

In a social media broadcast, VeryDarkMan addressed his decision to support Abdulkareem:

“I saw the message sent to Eedris from NBC saying the song was banned. It’s clear they don’t want people hearing the truth. He was just asking Seyi Tinubu to tell his father, President Tinubu, that Nigerians are suffering.”

VeryDarkMan continued by emphasizing the power of social media as a platform that cannot be easily silenced:

“We don’t even depend on TV or radio anymore. Let’s move this to social media. We will reshoot the video. I’ll sponsor it. I’ll feature in it. We’ll even get someone who looks like Tinubu to act in the video.”

Tell Your Papa 2: The Sequel That Hits Harder

According to VDM, the new video—titled “Tell Your Papa 2”—will not only revisit the song’s original themes but will also expand its message by spotlighting other pressing issues plaguing the country, including:

Insecurity
Youth unemployment
Poor governance
Suppression of free speech

He added that this initiative is more than a music video—it’s a movement.

“They listen but refuse to act. Then they suppress the media so no one speaks out. But we won’t let them control our voices anymore.”

Why This Matters: Art as a Tool for Social Change

This isn’t the first time Nigerian artists have used music to call out injustice. From Fela Kuti to Burna Boy, protest music has always been a voice for the voiceless. The censorship of “Tell Your Papa” raises critical questions about the limits of free speech in Nigeria and the role of digital platforms in activism.

For context, the NBC has previously drawn criticism for banning songs deemed critical of the government or too explicit—see this BBC article on Nigerian music censorship for more examples.

You might also like: What You Listen To Really Matters: The Power of Music in Society

Conclusion: From Censorship to Amplification

Rather than silence the message, the NBC’s ban of “Tell Your Papa” has created a wave of renewed interest and activism. With VeryDarkMan’s involvement and sponsorship, the protest anthem is poised for a powerful comeback—this time through the unfiltered world of social media.

The incident underscores a growing truth: the internet is the new stage, and efforts to mute dissent only make it louder.