Controversial Nigerian rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has declared that his iconic 2001 protest track, Nigeria Jaga Jaga, will stay the nation’s unofficial second nationwide anthem—till the problems it addresses are resolved.
The artist, recognized for his fearless stance in opposition to social injustice and corruption, made the assertion throughout a latest interview on Channels TV, amid renewed reputation of the track on TikTok and different social media platforms.
“Nigeria Jaga Jaga will proceed to be the second nationwide anthem, whether or not anyone likes it or not,” he stated.
“However I all the time pray to get up in the future and discover the track is now not related. That may make me very glad.”
Launched 24 years in the past, Nigeria Jaga Jaga prompted a nationwide stir with its unflinching criticism of corruption, poor management, and the nation’s decaying infrastructure.
Regardless of preliminary bans and backlash from authorities quarters, the track has endured, resonating with a brand new era of Nigerians going through the identical challenges.
“We have to begin seeing actual growth—fixed electrical energy, safety, good management. Till that occurs, the track stays related. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the track remains to be our actuality,” Eedris lamented.
On His New Banned Tune ‘Inform Your Papa’
Eedris additionally addressed the latest ban of his newest monitor, Inform Your Papa, by the Nigerian Broadcasting Fee (NBC), which labelled the track “To not be Broadcast” (NTB).
The choice has sparked criticism and renewed debate over censorship and free speech in Nigerian music.
The track, some imagine, is a direct response to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I
n a viral video, Seyi passionately defended his father’s administration, prompting Eedris to reply by music.
“I used to be impressed by Seyi Tinubu,” Eedris defined.
“Within the video, he saved repeating, ‘My father is the best president.’ However I differ. He could also be the most effective father to Seyi, however he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The rapper criticised the administration for widespread financial hardship, insecurity, and youth unemployment, contrasting Seyi Tinubu’s privileged expertise with the fact confronted by extraordinary Nigerians.
“I instructed him to journey by highway with out safety and really feel the ache of the individuals. Nigerian youths are asking for staple items—electrical energy, safety, job alternatives—not palliatives,” he stated.
Regardless of the controversy, Eedris insisted that the track comprises no insults—simply info.
“If you happen to hear rigorously, there’s nowhere within the track that I insult him. I simply said the reality. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the track.”
Eedris, who has lengthy drawn comparisons to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, emphasised that his criticisms come from a spot of affection for his nation.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I really like this nation deeply. However the fact is bitter, and people in energy don’t like listening to it,” he stated.
“I need a greater Nigeria, and I’ll hold talking out till we see actual change.”
Because the socio-political local weather continues to encourage Nigerian artists to take bolder stands, Nigeria Jaga Jaga stays a robust reminder of music’s enduring position in activism—and a haunting reflection of a nation nonetheless struggling to fulfil its promise.
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