‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain the People’s Anthem – Eedris Abdulkareem

Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has reaffirmed the enduring relevance of his iconic 2001 protest anthem, Nigeria Jaga Jaga, declaring it will continue to serve as the country’s unofficial second national anthem until the systemic issues it highlights are fully addressed.

Speaking in a recent interview on Channels Television, Abdulkareem expressed both pride and frustration over the song’s resurgence in popularity, especially among Nigerian youth on TikTok and other social media platforms.

“Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not.

“But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”

Originally released 24 years ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga sparked widespread controversy with its bold criticism of corruption, misgovernance, and the country’s crumbling infrastructure. Despite being banned by government authorities at the time, the song has endured and remains deeply resonant with a new generation of Nigerians facing similar struggles.

“We need to start seeing real development—constant electricity, security, good leadership,” Eedris lamented. “Until that happens, the song remains relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality.”

The rapper also addressed the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) recent ban of his latest song, ‘Tell Your Papa’, which was labeled “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB). The ban has reignited conversations about freedom of expression and censorship in Nigerian music.

Many believe the track is a direct response to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in a viral video had passionately defended his father’s administration. Eedris explained that the song was a reaction to that video.

“I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu,” he said. “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.”

Criticizing the administration for rising economic hardship, insecurity, and high youth unemployment, Abdulkareem drew a stark contrast between Seyi Tinubu’s privileged life and the harsh realities faced by 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 added.

Despite the uproar, Eedris stood by his lyrics, stating that the song contains no insults—only truth.

“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.”

Long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most vocal social critics and often compared to the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Abdulkareem reiterated that his activism is born out 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.”