Falz, a Nigerian rapper, has disclosed the inspirations for his socially conscious music.
Falz shared on the Menism Podcast that Fela Kuti, an Afrobeat legend, encouraged him to combine music and activism.
Falz also mentioned defunct musical groups such as Plantashun Boiz and Trybesmen.
He explained that components of their songs were incorporated into his own to create his distinct style.
“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.”
Falz has put out a plethora of socially conscious songs such as ‘Wehdone Sir’, ‘Child Of The World’, ‘This Is Nigeria’, and ‘Talk’.
He was actively involved in the 2020 anti-brutality protest against the now-disbanded rogue police unit Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Falz currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records.
