Nigerian rapper, singer and actor Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz has shared the sources of inspiration for his socially conscious music.
Falz recently discussed how the Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti inspired him to combine his music with activism in an interview with the Menism Podcast.
Falz also mentioned former bands like Trybesmen and Plantashun Boiz.
He claimed that to create his distinct style, he incorporated components of their songs into his own.
“The people I started listening to were the Trybesmen, Plantashun Boiz, and of course, a lot of Fela Kuti,” Falz said.
“So those early influences shaped my style. Coming in, I already knew that I would do things differently.
“That’s why much of my music has always been laced with activism.
“So, like I said, early influences from Fela.
“It’s bits and pieces of all the greats that I have listened to. So I took all that, jollofed it up, and created my style.”
Many socially conscious songs, like “Wehdone Sir,” “Child Of The World,” “This Is Nigeria,” and “Talk,” were released by Falz.
He participated extensively in the 2020 anti-brutality demonstrations against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a rogue police unit that has since been abolished.
Bahd Guys Records is the independent musical label that Falz now owns.
In a differnt story, Falz recently spoke about the things that have influenced his attitude to activism.
He made it clear that his support of social causes predates the 2020 ENDSARS Protest in a recent episode of the Menisms podcast.
Falz cited his father Femi Falana as a major inspiration when attributing his activism to his family history.
He also spoke about how Fela’s music had changed his outlook.
Falz pointed out that his advocacy is a long-standing feature of his personality rather than a recent growth.
He clarified that while the EndSars events of 2020 inspired him to become more involved, his dedication to social problems has always been.
