Controversial Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, has declared that his iconic 2001 protest anthem ‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ will remain the country’s unofficial second national anthem until the issues it addresses are resolved.
Grassroots Parrot reports that while answering questions during interview on Channels TV, Abdulkareem, known for his bold critiques of corruption and poor governance, spoke candidly about the song’s enduring relevance.
With Nigeria Jaga Jaga witnessing a resurgence in popularity on TikTok and other social media platforms, the veteran artist’s message has found new life among a younger generation.
“Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not,” he said. “But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”
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Originally released 24 years ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga shook the nation with its raw commentary on Nigeria’s socio-political decay, drawing backlash and an eventual ban from government authorities.
Despite the attempt to silence it, the track has persisted as a voice for the oppressed, echoing the frustrations of citizens still grappling with electricity shortages, insecurity, and economic hardship.
“We need to start seeing real development—constant electricity, security, good leadership. Until that happens, the song remains relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality,” Abdulkareem lamented.
Abdulkareem also addressed the recent ban of his latest politically charged single, Tell Your Papa, by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which labeled the track “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB). The song has sparked widespread debate about censorship, free speech, and artistic freedom in Nigeria.
Many believe the song is a pointed response to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was seen in a viral video defending his father’s administration.
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“I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu,” Eedris explained. “In the video, he kept repeating, ‘My father is the greatest president.’ But I differ. He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The veteran rapper went on to criticize the current administration for deepening economic woes, rampant insecurity, and growing youth unemployment, drawing a sharp contrast between Seyi Tinubu’s privileged outlook and the lived experiences of average Nigerians.
“I told him to travel by road without security and feel the pain of the people. Nigerian youths are asking for basic things—electricity, security, job opportunities—not palliatives,” he said.
Abdulkareem insisted that Tell Your Papa contains no personal attacks—only facts drawn from public discourse.
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“If you listen carefully, there’s nowhere in the song that I insult him. I just stated the truth. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the song.”
Eedris, who has long drawn comparisons to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, emphasized that his criticisms come from a place of love for his country.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I love this country deeply. But truth is bitter, and those in power don’t like hearing it,” he said. “I want a better Nigeria, and I’ll keep speaking out until we see real change.”
As Nigeria’s socio-political climate pushes artists to take bolder stands, Jaga Jaga endures as a powerful anthem of activism and a stark reminder of a nation still chasing its potential.