Veteran Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem has released a scathing new track, "Tell Your Papa," directly addressing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to convey the dire realities faced by ordinary Nigerians to his father. The song serves as a powerful and poignant response to Seyi Tinubu's recent declaration in Adamawa State, where he proclaimed his father as the "greatest president in Nigeria's history."
Abdulkareem's lyrics paint a starkly contrasting picture to this assertion, highlighting the widespread economic hardship and pervasive insecurity that have become defining features of the current climate. The veteran artist, known for his socially conscious music, pulls no punches in his message, directly confronting the president's son and challenging his perceived disconnect from the struggles of the masses.
The core of Abdulkareem's message revolves around the stark realities faced by everyday Nigerians. He implores Seyi Tinubu to acknowledge the "hard" situation in the country, emphasizing the loss of life due to various challenges. The pointed line, "Tell your papa people dey die," underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. Furthermore, Abdulkareem references his iconic hit "Jagajaga," suggesting that the current state of affairs has even surpassed the turmoil depicted in his earlier critique of societal ills.
The song further delves into specific grievances, accusing the administration of delivering "too much empty promises." Abdulkareem positions himself as the voice of the Nigerian people, urging Seyi to carry their collective message to the President: "kidnappers dey kill Nigerians." This highlights the escalating insecurity across the nation and the fear it instills in citizens.
In a particularly evocative and challenging verse, Abdulkareem directly addresses Seyi Tinubu's privileged lifestyle. He urges him to "try travel by road without your security" to truly understand the "pains of fellow Nigerians." By contrasting Seyi's access to private jets with the dangers faced by those who rely on public transportation, Abdulkareem underscores the vast chasm between the experiences of the political elite and the average citizen. He implies that Seyi's insulated existence prevents him from fully grasping the severity of the insecurity crisis.
Eedris Abdulkareem's "Tell Your Papa" is more than just a song; it is a powerful social commentary and a direct appeal for empathy and action. By leveraging his platform as a respected veteran artist, he amplifies the voices of countless Nigerians struggling with the current socio-economic and security challenges. The song serves as a potent reminder to those in power of the urgent need to address the plight of the common people and move beyond celebratory rhetoric to tangible solutions. It remains to be seen how Seyi Tinubu and the presidency will respond to this direct and impassioned plea.