Recently, Falz, the well-known Nigerian rapper, shared personal experiences that indicated that his childhood had an impact on his activist status.
Lagos saw him lead the #ENDSARS protest in 2020, but his commitment to advocating for the rights of people from the minority started much earlier than that.
In his interview on the Menisms Podcast, Falz gave details of what influenced the creation of the activism. He mentioned that his inspiration came from two significant figures in his life: the popular Afiwe Musician Fela Kuti and his father Femi Falana, an acclaimed human rights lawyer/activist. In his own right, Falz cites the influence of Fela Kuti and the tales of the activism of his father.
He went on to express that when he has been everywhere, he has always met people who have narrated to him how his dad had impacted their lives positively through his activism for over forty years.
This strong impression of his father and continuous observation of his selfless actions helped him to become such a person and to be devoted to social initiatives. Falz also noted that he has always had this awareness with him and would not change a thing about it. As he went on to perform music and even take action, he was always influenced by the background that he was raised up in.
Indeed, he argued that being socially conscious is not an aspect he newly adopted in 2020 but has been doing it for a long time. But, 2020 made him act even more than using social media platforms to speak out.
From the Falz’ experience, it can be seen how upbringing and environment play an influential role in taking the path towards activism. It is a story that illustrates the bitter-sweet way in which early positive role models can form a work-long passion for social justice.
