His latest Amapiano single Squander (Remix) featuring Nigerian singers Niniola, Sayfar, and South Africans Kamo Mphela and Mpura is already a favourite for fans.
Nigerian singer, actor and qualified lawyer Folarin “Falz” Falana (30) recently visited South Africa to shoot the music video for the popular song.
He had seen Kamo Mphela’s music and dance moves while back home and he knew he wanted to collaborate with her.
“I’ve been seeing little clips of this petite woman, full of energy and a vibe that I instantly loved, and I wanted to work with,” Falz says.
“I have always been open to collaborations and cross-pollinating. So, I got in contact with her team to collaborate on the song. When she visited Nigeria last month, we then linked up and had a great time,” Falz says.
With the rise of Amapiano music, Falz wanted to be part of the community.
“Amapiano is not our Nigerian sound. But it’s travelling to the world and I want to be part of that evolution," Falz says.
He is currently working on a full album which he plans to release in June.
“During the lockdown, I was trying to reach a happy place, and all that is translated in the music. Very happy music, people can expect uplifting sounds and something diverse. The general overall theme is light, story-driven, and ethnic and indigenous sounds,” Falz says.
Read more l Viola Davis excited to work on The Woman King with Thuso Mbedu
He is known and favoured for being political and addressing societal issues in his country.
In 2018, Falz released the music video titled ‘This Is Nigeria’, which highlights issues of corruption, bribery, and money laundering in Nigeria and was inspired by Childish Gambino’s ‘This is America’.
The song was later banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) who called it vulgar and inappropriate.
“That is part of the package, I'm afraid. When you speak up, some people will not like you for it but is all for the greater good,” he says.
In 2020, Falz called on other Nigerian celebrities to join the #Endsars protests in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, which called on the government to end police brutality.
He has been vocal about issues on social justice and to pay tribute to the victims of police brutality, he released a music video for ‘Johnny’ where he samples visuals from the #EndSars protest and Lekki Massacre. In a post on social media, he wrote, “We will never forget the heroes that have been unlawfully slain. This is for them. For every single Nigerian life snatched away unlawfully, we must make sure we get justice.”
He believes standing up for what’s right will always be a priority to him.
“I’m not afraid to lose gigs or to put my life on the line. I’m very sure about what I stand for,” he says.
Falz is happy to be doing what he loves and educating people at the same time.
“I am happy because I am becoming accomplished as a man, I do what I love and I have family and friends that keep me happy.”
Read more l PICS | Lizzo celebrates turning 33 Vegas style
Music is not his only passion. The multi-award-winning artist walked off with Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Jenifa’s Diary and Best Supporting Actor for New Money.
He appeared on Netflix film; Chief Daddy where he plays a rapper. He also acts on Merry Men on Netflix, and recently filmed Quams Money where he plays Quam Omole, a security guard turned overnight millionaire whose life turns to chaos when he loses some money to fraudsters.
“I am versatile, but had I not been a musician and actor, I would be practicing as a lawyer and gone back to the chambers,” Falz says.
Being a successful international star does not come easy and Falz believes it is his belief in God that has kept him motivated
“Faith has gotten me this far, and it's faith that will see me through.”
