Is Falz Sexist?
IKENNA OBIOHA
Recently, Nigerian artiste Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz released his fourth studio album Moral Instruction.
The #MeToo movement kicked off in 2006 and gained popularity in 2017 following allegations against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Ever since the Weinstein saga , the awareness of women’s right protection has gained strong footing with men and women alike in modern societies across the world. The movement however thrives on the path paved by the feminist movement that shares similar values.
Recently, Nigerian artiste Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz released his fourth studio album Moral Instruction. The album’s theme covers subjects as politics, sexuality, corruption and social vices. Obviously, the idea for the album stemmed from the success of the controversial This Is Nigeria video that also touched on similar issues. However, the body of work that makes up Moral Instruction isn’t quite accepted by feminists.
The exchange of different views concerning his stance of slut-shaming piqued the interest of many who were seated in the Landmark Towers building where the listening party held last month. While the audience gave generally positive reactions, the idea of ‘transactional sex’ as depicted by Falz on the track Talk garnered reactions from those who abide by the tenets of feminism. To them, he portrayed young girls as being sexually promiscuous for pecuniary benefits without addressing the benefactors, who in this case are older men or well-to-do younger ones.
To further the case of Falz’s misrepresentation, most noted was that the Child of the World rapper made several references in Sweet Boy in a manner that shielded the male figure from blames, and at same time feed their ego with extolments. Leaning on excerpt from that song, they feel the lyrics backed their claims of Falz’s misogynistic tendencies.
“Look at all the moves I dey give them
Look at all the nudes in my DMS
Sweetchocolate boy, he’s so damn fine
She want to know wetin I dey rub to make the beard shine”
Also, similar pattern were noted on his other single Something Light.
The reactions from listeners were only a tip of the iceberg compared to the various online reactions from twitter users who shared opinions on the album poor representations of women the next day. Here are some reactions:
Of course, the debate which ensued during the listening party revealed the differing views from persons of either gender. This reaction pattern loosely alludes to the controversy surrounding the recent Gillette advert that addresses ‘toxic masculinity’. Although, plagued with more dislike than likes, the comment session of the uploaded Gillette advert appeared to give the impression of a civil war between genders in the comment section. And Falz’s listening party mirrors this schism perfectly.
“I hate transactional sex,” Falz said without directly addressing issues brought up at the listening party. He however made a statement saying he would address issues that promote the girl-child in the future. He further reminded the crowd that he has quite a lot planned for the future in terms of content.
What’s your take on this development? Are you for or against the ideologies of the rapper on his new album or do you feel that feminists are trying to create a storm in a teacup? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
