Nigerian rapper, actor, and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has once again stirred the pot with his unapologetic commentary on national affairs, this time taking a direct swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a recent interview on Soundcity, the Wehdone Sir crooner was asked a seemingly simple question that elicited a blunt and loaded response.
Interviewer: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What comes to your mind when you hear his name?”
Falz: “Hardship. No elaboration.”
The terse reply has since gone viral, sparking a mix of applause and debate among Nigerians online. For many, Falz’s statement echoes the sentiments of a population grappling with soaring inflation, fuel price hikes, and economic instability, all of which have intensified since the beginning of Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.
Falz, who has long used his music and platform to speak out against injustice and poor governance, did not mince words. His response, though brief, carried the weight of public frustration. And this isn’t the first time the multi-talented entertainer has expressed disappointment with the current government.
Just last month, in a hard-hitting interview on Arise TV, Falz argued that the country had “retrograded” under President Tinubu’s leadership. He criticized the administration for failing to deliver meaningful progress and noted that the President still has time to redeem himself.
“The administration has not moved the country forward in any significant way. There’s still time left, but things are not looking promising,” he said.
Falz has built a reputation for being one of the few Nigerian entertainers who fearlessly critiques political power. From his powerful 2018 track This is Nigeria to his involvement in the 2020 EndSARS protests, he has continually positioned himself as a voice for the people, particularly Nigerian youth.
His latest jab at President Tinubu only reinforces his stance as a cultural critic unafraid to challenge authority, even at the risk of controversy. With economic hardships biting harder for everyday Nigerians, Falz’s commentary hits a raw nerve and perhaps opens the door for more artists to speak up in uncertain times.
