Nigerian lawyer and music artist, Falz has said that protest music can make a change when it comes to societal issues and ginger some kind of activism from the creative sector.
His comments came during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Saturday, while drawing parallels between the End SARS protests that happened in Nigeria in 2020 and the ongoing Finance Bill protests in Kenya.
He said, “I think protest music, music that hits the nail on the head, I don’t know that anybody has done that more than I have. I definitely do that and I think that definitely can make a change. When it does come, when it does drop, it usually causes some sort of unrest, it usually causes a stir up, so I think that definitely is a good thing to do.”
Falz pointed out that during the End SARS protests, the government’s response was to use force against peaceful protesters, deploying soldiers instead of addressing the concerns of protesters, a tactic now being repeated in Kenya, which he criticised.
“I think with the way that the End SARS protest went and with the way that these Finance Bill protests are going, we can clearly see a lot of similarities and it also shows a lot of similarities with both governments as well. You see the people come out. They’re crying about a certain thing and instead of being concerned about what they’re crying about, the next move is force. Let’s send the soldiers. Let’s push them back because they shouldn’t be challenging us. What do you mean they shouldn’t be challenging you? How about you concern yourself with what they’re complaining about and why did we even get here in the first place,” he said.
Reflecting on the End SARS movement, Falz also noted the continued struggles in Nigeria, including inflation, insecurity, and food scarcity. He lamented the government’s lack of responsiveness to these issues, drawing a direct line to the frustrations now boiling over in Kenya. “This government even till today, they’re still disconnected from the people and the plight of the people,” he said.
He added, “Tons and tons of issues that we continue to face including inflation every single day. The price of food is going up in a ridiculous manner, insecurity, people are getting kidnapped, people are getting killed. We don’t seem to have an answer for terrorists. So many issues. The minimum wage issue that even led to the strike which I actually was a victim of because I ended up being stuck in Uyo at the time. All the airports were closed.”
On a personal note, Falz described the emotional toll of ongoing social and political issues but reaffirmed his commitment to activism through his music and public commentary.
“It’s draining to even think about, let alone talk about. It’s so draining, it’s so frustrating and I think every single Nigerian, even when I’m in very casual social circles and we’re talking about these issues, there is always a point where everybody’s like ‘please let’s stop let’s just not talk about this again.’ It’s so draining, it’s so demoralising. But for me, activism… is a part of me. It’s natural. It will just come. I’m never going to stop social commentary. Also artistically, I’m in a realm where I’m trying to get people to focus more on what’s amazing about us. We know we’re going through a lot and there’s so much ill around us, but focusing on that will just make us dwell in this dark emotion. Right now, where I am, artistically and message wise is just to get us to focus on what’s amazing about us rather than dwell in that sadness.”
He noted that he uses his music as a form of activism, explaining that his latest artistic projects aim to highlight the positive aspects of Nigerian identity, fostering unity and resilience amidst chaos.
He said, “A different mode, a different avenue, a different fashion to carry out activism to show our collective identity. On tracks like ‘Ndi Ike,’ I’m speaking in Ibo. The entire inspiration for that record, it’s the eastern Nigerian culture. Originally, that’s not my culture but we are one at the end of the day. I’m showing that sort of unity, that oneness with that sound.”
Falz concluded by advocating for more conscientious young people in politics to bring about meaningful change, even though he himself has no plans to run for office.
“I have never had any interest in politics. I’ve always just reacted out of compassion. Everything that I do, everything that I say, everything that I make music about, is just a reaction out of compassion. These things are happening around me and I must speak about that. I have absolutely no intention to run for any office, occupy any political post. It’s just not my calling. I don’t think I’ll make a good politician. That’s just not me. But we need a lot more people, right minded people, people that are ready to actually do things differently, occupying political offices.”
Melissa Enoch
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