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The action taken by the regulatory agency, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), banning some songs considered as being ‘vulgar’ has been generating public argument, KEHINDE OSASONA probes further in this report.
How it started
Nigeria, no doubt, is a music hub in sub-saharan Africa with great artistes, alongside their hordes of music enthusiasts, critics and music buffs alike.
From the legendary old generation musicians such as the late Bobby Benson, Ayinla Omowura, Dan Maraya Jos, Orlando Owoh, Mamman Shata, Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Oliver de Coque, Sonny Okosun, Onyeka Onwenu, The Mandators, Majek Fashek, to the living legends like Bongos Ikwe, King Sunny Ade, Queen Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1) the Ultimate and many more, the Nigerian music has continued to evolve with greater influence on the people and its populace in the Western world, as well as neighbouring countries like Niger Republic, Republic of Chad, Mali, Ghana, Cameroon and the Republic of Benin among others.
Most of their songs, though not vulgar in nature but sounded more revolutionary, spurred by criticism of perceived unfriendly policies of government or bad governance. While some got arrested and released, others were invited for questioning.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legendary activist, saxophonist and singer was banned by the Nigerian military government, not because it was laced with vulgar lyrics but because in most cases, his songs had revolutionary fervour that resonated with everyone whenever they played.
More than any other musicians, his songs like the controversial ‘Teacher don’t teach me nonsense’, ‘ITT’, ‘Zombie’ Beast of no Nation” among others had either landed in detention or got banned at one time or another.
Today, the new generation of artists like 2Face Idibia, Eedris Abdulkarim, P Square, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Davido, Ice Cube, Falz among others have continued the tradition and they command cult-like followership.
However, aside from dishing out sweet melody and dancehall vibes, they are often caught on the wrong side of the law whenever they churn out lyrical contents that allegedly fail to meet the standards of responsible broadcastings.
In some cases too, they often release ‘dis track’ to attack others or send message to people in authorities on their grievances with socio-economic situation.
One of such occurred early last month when the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned Nigerian radio and television stations from airing a trending song titled “Tell Your Papa” by the rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.”
The action was contained in a memo dated April 9, 2025, and issued by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, where the commission declared the track ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The commission stated further: “The section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.”
According to NBC, while the song has gained momentum across social media platforms, the content was deemed inappropriate for broadcast.
The controversial song released a few weeks ago targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to confront his father over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria.
The track, “Tell Your Papa,” which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms saw the Nigeria Jaga jaga crooner painting a harsh picture of hardships in the country.
Earlier, the young Tinubu was quoted as describing his father as the greatest President in Adamawa State, during one of his tours.
“Seyi, try traveling by road without your security to make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem,” was one of the contents of the lyrics that has since been banned.
Earlier, ‘This is Nigeria’, a hit song released by a multiple award-winning music artiste, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz was also banned by the NBC.
Falz, who threatened to sue theNBC over the ban said he felt it was ridiculous for the commission to ban the song, arguing that it was not a vulgar song but a socially-conscious piece of art which addresses the current issues in the country.
He also stated that he does not know if there was any conspiracy to ensure that the song never enjoyed airwaves, adding: ”the song could have hit the nerves of certain people.”
Before the recent ban
Eight years ago, the NBC banned five songs by major Nigerian musicians, namely, Olamide, Davido and 9ice having considered them offensive for broadcast.
The banned songs are Olamide’s “Wo and Wavy Level”, Davido’s “Fall” and “If (Remix)” and 9ice’s “Living Things”.
The commission, while justifying the songs from being aired across the Nigerian airwaves, said Olamide’s videos violated the Tobacco Control Act.
It was not the first time Olamide’s song was banned by the regulatory agency.
In 2016, just a few months after the ban of one of his songs, “Shakiti Bobo,” NBC also banned “Don’t Stop” and “Eyan Mayweather” for their alleged vulgarity.
While defending its decision back then, the body said the song was banned from being played on the airwaves for its “obscenity, indecent, vulgar language, lewd and profane expressions.”
Legal and professional reactions
Speaking exclusively to Blueprint Weekend, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Emmanuel Ekwe, Esq, who gave a legal opinion on the issue said NBC and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) have legal mandates to regulate content and protect intellectual property in Nigeria, including music lyrics and broadcasts.
According to him, the NBC enforces the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which includes standards on content appropriateness while the NCC administers the Copyright Act 2022/2023, protects creators’ rights and combating piracy.
Regarding the alleged vulgar lyrics in “Seyi Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem, he stated further: “The NBC has the authority to ban or restrict content deemed offensive or harmful under its broadcasting code to maintain public decency standards. This is part of its regulatory role to ensure broadcasts align with societal norms.
“The NCC focuses more on copyright protection and anti-piracy enforcement, ensuring creators are fairly compensated and their works are not illegally distributed.
“While it does not directly censor lyrics, it supports legal frameworks that protect music creators’ rights and combat unauthorized use of works.
“The law thus supports both content regulation (NBC) and copyright protection (NCC).
“Whether bans on vulgar lyrics should continue depends on balancing freedom of expression with societal values and protecting intellectual property rights.”
But while also reacting to the issue, an Abuja-based music enthusiast, Konsay, said although he was against vulgar lyrics under any guise as a way of protecting teenagers and the society, he added: “I will nevertheless support any song that expose the ills of the society or bad governance because it is the way to go.”
Going forward
While experts have continually cautioned artists against the use of vulgar and abusive languages in their music, they have nevertheless urged them to explore opportunities to earn legitimate income through royalties and contribute positively to nation-building through their craft.
For them, any song that promotes immorality or incitement should face regulatory action.
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