Popular Nigerian rapper and social activist, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has once again expressed his disappointment with the current state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a recent interview with Soundcity, the award-winning artiste did not hold back when asked about his thoughts on the president’s performance.
The interviewer posed a direct question:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What comes to your mind when you hear his name?”
Falz gave a blunt response:
“Hardship. No elaboration.”
His response was brief, but the message was loud and clear. For Falz, the name of Nigeria’s leader has become a symbol of the country’s worsening economic and social conditions.
A history of criticism
This is not the first time the Wehdone Sir crooner has criticised the Tinubu-led administration. Just last month, Falz voiced similar concerns during an appearance on Arise Television.
Speaking candidly on the program, he stated that Nigeria had regressed since Tinubu took office. He argued that little to no progress had been made across key sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, and security.
“In the past year, we’ve seen more suffering than improvement,” Falz said. “Things are harder now. The hardship is real, and it’s affecting everyday Nigerians.”
Frustration over the state of the nation
Falz has become one of the most vocal celebrities speaking out about governance in Nigeria. He consistently uses his platform to address issues affecting the average citizen.
The rapper, who is also a trained lawyer and son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), has never shied away from social and political commentary.
Many Nigerians, particularly the youth, resonate with his outspoken stance. On social media, his words quickly sparked reactions, with many users agreeing that the country’s cost of living has soared and basic services have deteriorated.
Fuel prices have more than doubled. Inflation has pushed food prices to record highs. And despite campaign promises, many citizens say their lives have become more difficult since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Falz calls for accountability
While Falz acknowledged that Tinubu still has two years left in his term, he stressed that time is running out to make meaningful change.
“He still has two years to prove himself,” Falz said in the Arise TV interview. “But at this point, things have not moved forward. In fact, they’ve gone backwards.”
According to Falz, it is not enough for leaders to make promises. They must also be held accountable for their actions, or inaction.
He urged Nigerians to continue asking tough questions and demanding better governance from those in power.
From protest to performance
Falz’s criticism of the government is not new. In 2020, he was one of the leading voices during the #EndSARS protests, which called for an end to police brutality in Nigeria. His music, particularly songs like “Johnny” and “This Is Nigeria,” reflects the frustrations of a generation seeking real change.
For many young Nigerians, Falz represents a rare blend of talent and courage, someone who is willing to use his fame to speak truth to power.
What comes next?
As the country navigates rising costs and public dissatisfaction, voices like Falz’s continue to echo through the halls of media, music, and activism. Whether or not President Tinubu will respond to these criticisms remains to be seen.
But for now, Falz’s one-word answer, “Hardship”, sums up how many citizens feel about life under this administration.
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