Pun intended.
Folarin Falana or Falz as he’s popularly known is a multitalented figure in the Nigerian entertainment space. A rapper, a songwriter, an actor, sometimes a host and the leader of sweet boys association all wrapped into this brilliant young Lawyer. His discography boasts of a wide array of sounds which alludes to his versatility.
His domesticated version of This is America in which he addresses the failed Nigerian state remains his most iconic moment. He addresses all aspect and parts of the Nigerian ideal . He touched Religious isssues, Poor Governance, the social rot and the very many ills plaguing the nation. This most definitely set the tone for his completely conscious album Moral instruction. Led by the single , Talk, the album employs smart, intelligent punchlines to drive home a masses-driven perspective of the state. No one was safe oo. Everybody had their fair share.
The ensuing singles, however, describe a near 360 turn around from the satiric Falz. . He proceeds to experiment different sounds and ideals. Bop Daddy and One Trouser (a song that details the hustle and craze of Lagos) were rap typicals, however, Squander with Niniola, Mpura, and Kamo Mphela delved into Amapiano. His uncanny tendency to talk rap in a thrilling manner remained constant.
The Album cover also bears testament to this transformation. A figure (obviously Falz) backs us, and from this point, we can deduce he’s fully dressed, his hair not tinted, and no glasses, all of which contrasts the image reflecting in the mirror ahead of him. The Falz we see now is ripped with his trademark glasses, shirtless and tinted hair. The Falz you knew is long gone, welcome to a new dispensation.
The Nigerian music space is at its evolutionary peak and artistes are torn between change and consistency. The new artists are sometimes caught up in this want for new sounds. Asake barely has 5 hits and he has already been branded the “sungba man”. This is because of a sense of familiarity with his sounds. This demand for change, while it helps for progression of the industry can set artists up. Bahd contains and bears evidences of Falz’s lyrical genius,Although it rubs off as a slightly uncomfortable album. A couple of songs are successful experimentations, Another Me which Opens the album and bears a little of the endearing Falz. However, he begins to lose identity as the features roll in. The forced vulgarity as the album progresses makes me cringe a little.
On Parampe which is definitely a tribute to Fela’s afrobeat also embodies his typical backup vocals. What is a fela Track without the witty sayings and meandering across English, Yoruba and pidgin? All night, slips away after the hook. What is ropeo skipppiry ropo? I mean, even Ice cream with Bnxn didn’t cut it.-the unsettling lyrics and choice of words threw me off a lot.
i have consistently raved about the cavemen and their recent involvements in albums but not on this album. In isolation, the track is very decent and is original to cavemen but considering the previous tracks and the ones that come after it? it just doesn’t sit well. The album clearly lacks a definite structure and is simply tied together by a thin thread of desire.
He’s clearly still experimenting and searching which isn’t necessary but the atmosphere wills it. I must confess that I may be a little biased having boxed Falz and this self-expression messes with my thoughts on Bahd. The album isn’t completely horrible but it just screams “out of place”. The themes he attempts to potray are not usually forced into songs in corny lines. s but eased in slowly. The struggle between encoding words and blurting outright words placed heavy strain on the lyricsm of the album. ...I scream, you scream ,we scream for ice cream… what was that? Hopefully, Falz finds his footing and properly recovers from this shaky start and presents something more.
Whitelion.
