Falz is Cooking up a Musical Storm
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- October 13, 2024
A seasoned, intelligent rapper who needs no introduction, an award-winning actor whose talents speak volumes of his dedication to his craft, and a human rights advocate unafraid to speak his mind when it matters most; this week’s cover is none other than the Bahd Guy himself, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
Getting this busy man to do this interview was no easy feat, understandably so with everything he’s got cooking –– he’s just released an EP titled Before The Feast. He’s also dropping an album soon after titled The Feast, and with all of this, he is preparing for a European tour. He’s recently been on the set of an acting project as well, but today we’re talking solely about his recent music, and from the titles of these music projects, he’s really been cooking up a storm for us in the studio, and we’re totally here for it.
In this interview with award-winning Editor, fashion entrepreneur, and lifestyle content creator Eki Ogunbor, he mentioned how the current music scene needs him, and we couldn’t agree more.
Can you share the inspiration behind your new project? And what is the reason why it’s an EP and not an album?
It’s an EP and not an album because it’s a prequel, a warm-up to another project, which I will be releasing subsequently. That one will be an album.
It’s inspired by my current state of mind. I am about to embark on a journey of coming into being, and this EP, through a cocktail of emotions, aims to mirror the slight dilemma that comes before the eventual resolve.
How does this EP differ from your previous work?
I would say thematically.
I would typically delve deep into storytelling and social consciousness. I haven’t done too much of that on this project, and that’s intentional.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating this EP?
Keeping it ‘light’.
I created it with the mindset that it’s the palate cleanser that comes before The Feast (the title of his forthcoming album). Because of this, I had to really try to keep it light in every way, and that was a little challenging.
Are there any particular tracks that hold special meaning to you?
All the tracks on Before The Feast are equally of great significance to me. Each song neatly connects with the next. I think I found the perfect ingredients for my palate cleanser.
What themes or messages were you hoping to convey through this EP?
I really just wanted to paint the picture of an intersection of different feelings before clarity eventually comes.
How do you think your music reflects current social issues?
My music generally always references everyday happenings, sometimes quite literally, other times with satire. I can also be very confrontational in my approach.
You collaborated with a variety of artists on this EP. How did these collaborations come about, and what did each artist bring to the project?
I reached out to everyone to let them know that I wanted them on the EP, and thankfully, they were happy to be a part of it.
I think each artist, with their own unique touch and finesse, helped to make the project richer in flavour.
Can you share any memorable moments from the recording or production process?
The studio sessions were really lively, and with every collaboration, each featured artist instantly connected with the music. It’s not always immediate like that, so that made the creative process feel very natural.
I also remember it being quite hectic creating the cover art for the EP. It was a pretty long day but very well worth it.
How has your own journey influenced the music on this EP?
I’m feeling seasoned. It’s been quite a journey and I feel like I have learnt a lot along the way. That acquired knowledge is helping me improve my art every day, and you can hear that when you listen.
Are there any songs that are particularly personal to you?
Not one in particular. All songs are personal to me.
What do you hope listeners take away from listening to this EP?
I hope they are well entertained, but more importantly, I hope they want more after they have finished listening.
That’s the idea.
How do you think your music contributes to the current music scene in Nigeria and beyond?
My music offers a distinct and peculiar style.
It is one that cannot be likened to another, one that carries a lot of depth and substance, and one that is very bold.
I think the scene needs me.
What’s next for you after this EP? Any upcoming projects or collaborations we can look forward to?
After this EP, I am releasing an album titled The Feast, and I am almost done with that.
That in itself is the main course.
We will witness a revamped version of me on that project. I am very excited about it.
Can you tell us a bit more about that?
To add to what I just said, The Feast is a story of coming into being. A renaissance is happening before our eyes, one that is long overdue.
Why did you choose to release an EP first before an album?
I needed to pave the way for what was coming. When you arrive at a fancy restaurant, you don’t just dive into the meal. You would be given a palate cleanser first to prepare your taste buds to be able to take in new flavours more accurately.
That’s my plan here.
Eki Ogunbor has a Vogue Fashion Certificate from Conde Nast College of Fashion & Design and also attended Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion and the University of Kent. Eki headed the Design Operations at a top Nigerian womenswear fashion brand before developing her own brand, KISARA. She is the Editor-At-Large at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.
