Taking a look around, one would agree that there are a lot of ills in our society today and this to me is not the main problem. The main problem is that we don't talk about them as much as we should or in the places that we should.
We may discuss in our rooms, saloons, etc with valid points, reasons and solutions to a lot of things going on in our environment but except we are among the elites and decision makers, that which we discussed will end as that, a discussion.
Music is a way to communicate any and everything
Whatever the message is, music can run the errand for you but then not all musicians talk sing about these problems for various reasons.
For some it's because little recognition and renumeration comes from singing about societal ills, others don't want to be controversial to avoid loosing fans, some others are being sponsored by the perpetrators of these ills or are benefactors of the bad system.
This is why Falz the bad guy is my best Nigerian artist. He attacks various institutions in areas they are falling short and need to do better. It doesn't matter which institution is involved.
Whether political, security, religious, etc, he would constructively criticise you and funny enough he would add flows rhymes and jokes to ensure he passes the message while still entertaining.
He is my role model when it comes to freedom of speech.
Falz trained to become a lawyer before pursuing a career in music, hence he is more inclined than most musicians to matters of legal significance.
Being a lawyer gives him an edge undoubtedly but regardless, I admire that he uses this edge to talk about issues that affects the common citizens.
This is because he is among the elites and is not affected by most of these societal problems, at least not directly and not as much as the lower class. Yet he tries to correct them with his voice, which is what makes it commendable.
Many of his songs stand out for me especially "Talk" and "This is Nigeria". The latter which was a cover for the then hit song by Childish gambino, "This is America".
Following his cover, a lot of upcoming Nigerian artists got inspiration to do their own covers for the song, a testament to the influence of the man.
Equipped for the Resistance
Being a lawyer has given him an edge in a lot of cases, especially where the criticised authorities feel badly hit and begin to call for his head using various means at their disposal instead of making amends but he always proves ready.
Don't forget that his father is also a renowned lawyer and human rights activist.
At a time during the peaceful protests in 2020, he was sending out important messages to inform the youths on happenings and things they needed to know. Below is just one example.
https://twitter.com/falzthebahdguy/status/1316807018330677249?t=wQSS-U_Fcuo-mXYLalUQbQ&s=19
- falzthebahdguy
Important take home
Freedom of speech is within the confines of the law, follow the rule of law when being vocal. Apart from that, it is also important to consider your freedom after the speech even though you have freedom of speech. That is to say that you should be aware of your environment and the rules but the written and unwritten codes for the safety of you and your family.
This is my entry for the #mayinleo prompt day 3. Topic is Freedom of speech, press.
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