If you thought Nigerian music was all about catchy beats and enjoyable tunes, think again. Some of our favorite songs by well-known Nigerian singers have gotten in hot water with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) throughout the years. These songs have been banned due to their contentious nature, which has left us with mixed sentiments. Let's take a dive into the underground realm of Nigerian music and listen to these six songs that caught the attention of NBC for all the wrong reasons.

1. "Fall" BY Davido's: The Unseen Controversy

The first song on our list is "Fall" by Davido, the sole Afrobeats sensation. Did you know that this chart-topper was banned by NBC? That is correct! "Fall" is one of Davido's biggest singles and one of Nigeria's most popular songs. The appealing melody and Davido's star power may have piqued your interest, but NBC had other reservations about this song. What exactly caused it to be banned? Which came first, the words or the music video? It remains a mystery.

2. Olamide's "Wo" BY Olamide's: A Firestarter

Olamide's 2017 smash single, "Wo," has also been banned by NBC. This song was met with criticism almost immediately after its release, with NBC declaring a violation of its rules and regulations. Olamide, the prominent Nigerian rapper who wrote the song, stated that he never intended to offend anyone. But NBC stayed firm, and while they didn't explain the prohibition, it could be related to the Federal Ministry of Health's reaction to the song's music video.

3 "This Is Nigeria" BY . Falz's: Too Hot to Handle

Falz, a well-known Nigerian rapper and performer, released "This Is Nigeria" in 2018, which piqued the interest of NBC. The commission deemed a section of the song "vulgar" and the music "unfit for radio." Falz used this popular music to bring attention to societal issues ranging from weak leadership to healthcare issues. But was it his direct use of words and images that prompted NBC's ban, or did he completely ignore the rules?

4. Wande Coal's "Iskaba" BY Wande Coal's: A Catchy Conundrum

When Wande Coal's "Iskaba" was published in 2016, it was placed on NBC's blacklist. For this bouncy single, this Nigerian singer and composer collaborated with DJ Tunez. Despite the restriction, "Iskaba" received a significant amount of online exposure, with streams, downloads, and views pouring in. The offensive phrase that resulted in the ban was "Girl you dey make me kolo, shaking the ass like kolo." It was judged "vulgar" by NBC and a breach of their policies.

5. “Thunder Fire You” by Ric Hassani: Shocking Sensibility

Ric Hassani’s 2021 hit, “Thunder Fire You,” faced NBC’s wrath soon after it gained popularity. The song revolves around heartbreak and includes the widely used Nigerian slang phrase “Thunder Fire You.” Fans weren’t pleased with the ban, and social media erupted outrageously. Nigerians questioned why this song faced the axe while more controversial tracks like “Cash App” got a free pass.

6. “Living Things” by 9ice: Banter with NBC

“Living Things” by 9ice got caught in the crossfire when the Ministry of Health issued a public warning about Olamide’s “Wo.” Although “Living Things” had been playing on many Nigerian radio stations, it was eventually banned, likely due to the ministry’s involvement. In an interview, 9ice humorously declared that he would continue to make songs that NBC would ban. Talk about musical rebellion!

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That's it for now, folks—a glance into the world of Nigerian music and the controversies that occasionally follow it. While these songs were banned by NBC, they continue to appeal with listeners and demonstrate Nigerian artists' creative inventiveness. Music knows no bounds; even restrictions can't stop these songs from becoming popular.