Why I make conscious music- Falz

Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz has opened up about his motivation for “conscious music” as a tool to deal with political issues in Nigeria. He disclosed during a recent interview with HipTV.

The 29-year-old singer, who is renowned for slamming politicians, police brutality and social injustice through his songs said that the youth have been told they’re leaders of tomorrow even though it doesn’t seem to happen.

Further, the singer said, as much as music remains a tool for causing thrills, the craft should also be leveraged on by Nigerian artistes towards addressing matters of social importance.

“Music is an entertainment tool but it’ll still medium with which to speak up and inspire posterity. They’ve been telling us we’re leaders of tomorrow since but we’re still waiting for tomorrow.

“I’m among the new generation and I’m making conscious music. It’s also a channel through which I convey emotions. I could eat amala-ewedu and later decide to sing about it in studio,” he said.

Music as a platform for change

Falz has made headlines for his socially conscious projects like Moral Instruction (2019) and This is Nigeria (2018) which drew criticisms, anger and legal threats.

“I’ve never claimed I’m faultless. But I feel that we have to develop principles and rejig our morals if we’re going to move forward and get out of the chaos we’re in right now,” he had once said.

“As entertainers, we have a huge voice and platform. If I don’t use that to speak truths, or to attempt steering my people in the right direction. Then I feel like I’m doing a disservice.”

Being conscious or politically aware in your music; is one trait that a lot of Nigerian artists have shied away from in recent time. But Falz continues to distinguish himself as he consistently uses his music as a tool to speak up for the people. However, this has always been a defining component of the singer’s song.