Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has claimed that a politician offered him a ₦200 million bribe in an attempt to suppress his controversial protest track, Tell Your Papa.
In a video recently shared online, the outspoken artist alleged that an "honourable" reached out to him with the substantial offer following the song’s viral success and its subsequent ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Eedris, however, said he flatly rejected the bribe, insisting that he would not be silenced. “That’s what’s up! No Retreat, No Surrender!!! Aluta Continua,” he captioned the video, affirming his continued commitment to speaking out through his music.
Tell Your Papa, which directly calls out President Bola Tinubu and his son Seyi Tinubu, highlights the economic struggles faced by everyday Nigerians. The NBC declared the song “not to be broadcast,” citing a violation of responsible broadcasting standards, and instructed all stations to avoid airing it.
The ban has sparked widespread debate on censorship and freedom of expression, while Eedris’s refusal of the alleged bribe has only added fuel to the public discourse. The artist is known for his history of using music as a tool for activism, most notably with his 2004 hit Jaga Jaga, which also faced government backlash.
Despite pressure, Eedris Abdulkareem remains defiant, stating that his message in Tell Your Papa stands firm and he will not back down from holding leadership accountable.
