Eedris Abdulkareem Says ‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain the Country’s Second Anthem Until Change Comes
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has declared that his 2001 protest song Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to serve as Nigeria’s unofficial second national anthem. In a recent interview with Channels TV, the outspoken artist said the song remains relevant more than two decades after its release because the issues it highlights—corruption, insecurity, and poor leadership—are still a daily reality in Nigeria.
Eedris explained that the anthem’s message resonates even stronger today, noting that the country has not yet seen the development, stable electricity, safety, or leadership that would render the song obsolete. “Until that happens, the song remains relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality,” he said.
He also addressed his more recent viral song Tell Your Papa, which has drawn controversy and was banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC). According to Eedris, the song was inspired by a video of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, praising his father as Nigeria’s greatest president. Eedris responded by saying, “He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
While Tell Your Papa sparked strong reactions, the rapper insisted he did not insult anyone in the lyrics. “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,” he added.
Eedris also revealed in another interview that he was allegedly offered a ₦200 million bribe to stop promoting the controversial track, which he refused, saying he would never be silenced.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters, many Nigerians praised him for using his music to speak out against hardship and bad governance. Fans compared him to late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and lauded his courage and honesty.
Online reactions have been mixed, with many supporting his bravery, while a few others questioned his motives. Regardless of the backlash, Eedris remains firm in his message—calling for real change in Nigeria through music and activism.
