By Naomi Salami
Music has long served many purposes, from entertainment to telling stories and, in some cases, political satire. Nigeria’s 2023 elections were a perfect canvass for Falz, arguably Nigeria’s foremost artiste using his talent and platform to advance social causes, to produce his latest work that is currently receiving mixed reviews.
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, featuring Vector, dropped the diss track cleverly directed at the electoral umpire, skirting slander and very much irreverent of institutions. Titled Mr Yakubu, the rapper visibly dissed INEC, yabbing the electoral umpire in the classic Fela tradition. Everybody knows who is being yabbed, but nobody can sue since there were no direct references or mentioning of names!
The singer has been dubbed many names, one of which happens to be ‘African Giant’ because of his strong aversion to injustice and championing social issues, even when most artistes are ducking the issues. Falz has deployed his huge platform and fame to bring attention to ills that bedevil Nigerians, participated in marches and stood up to authority, even at the threat to his person. Since Fela, no other artiste has seared the conscience of oppressors as much as Falz as done. Falz’ role in the ENDSARS march which was held to bring attention and stop to police brutality is legendary. While many of his contemporaries went into hiding, together with Mr Macaroni, the popular skit maker, their participation brought a lot of zest to the campaign.
Elements of the music video are spot on. Geez, there is a member of the bench in a wheelchair!
The music video, tactically targeted, showcases electoral elements such as youth corps members, independent observers, electoral party colours, thugs with ballot boxes and machete and security agents.
Vector (Olanrewaju Ogunmefun) also did justice to the song by adding his lyrical dexterity and rapping depth. The rap tunes from the duo were phenomenal, with intended messages successfully delivered. Its relatability also makes it a trend among Nigerians.
The release of this track has proven that Nigerian artistes can stand for a strong cause and represent Nigerians through their talent and communities. If this trend becomes a norm for the entertainment industry, it will keep a lot of people in political offices in check.
The lyrics goes thus:
Mr Yakubu! ẹ ma n se bi fraudster
You don’t want to prosper
Come and collect Oscar
Three hundred billion te gba lọwọ ijọba
Kí le fi se ná sir? (A ti fi je mossa)
Twitter dey talk
This one go hot
Other chairman corrupt but
This one is not
Youth sef dey talk
When we protest, they shot
Make we carry PVC
Make we see wetin go sup (Go sup)
The music/video is expected to remain topical post-general elections since the battle has moved to the courts. As long as the issues emanating from the general elections remain germane and the court battles rage, this work of art is expected to keep trending.
Well done Falz the bad guy.
