Wole Soyinka Condemns Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song as a Return to Censorship and Threat to Free Expression
Wole Soyinka Condemns Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song as a Return to Censorship and Threat to Free Expression
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has publicly criticized the recent ban on a song by Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem, calling it a revival of censorship in Nigeria and a serious infringement on the right to free expression.
In a statement released from New York University, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, Soyinka denounced the ban, highlighting its broader consequences and likening it to historical efforts to suppress artistic and socio-political discourse in the country.
“Thanks to a graphic comment from an artist in another medium, I have become aware of this renewed wave of censorship following the banning of Eedris Abdulkareem’s music,” Soyinka remarked, in a piece published in PM News.
He expressed a rather ironic viewpoint regarding the ban, suggesting it should have gone even further: “Not only should the reportedly offensive song be banned, but the musician himself should also be prohibited. Subsequently, PMAN or any other musical association that Abdulkareem is part of should face similar repercussions,” he stated.
Soyinka admitted he hadn’t listened to the song in question but emphasized that the core issue is not about the content itself, but rather the fundamental democratic values at stake.
“It is a principle that must be upheld. That, without a doubt, is essential. This is why I advocate for finding positivity in such situations, recommending cartoons like Aleshinloye’s and others that effectively summarize the folly of trying to suppress challenging artistic or socio-political expressions,” he said.
He also noted the irony that such censorship can inadvertently benefit the affected artist. “This ban serves only to fill the artist’s coffers, thanks to unwitting governmental promotion. Eedris Abdulkareem is likely reveling in financial gain from this exposure, and I find myself envious,” he added.
