Falz: I believe in spirituality over religion

Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, Nigerian Afropop rapper and actor, says he places value on spirituality rather than religion.

“I’m not an atheist. I believe there is a God. But I believe in spirituality over religion,” the ‘Soft Work’ crooner, 28, said in an interview with Silverbird TV, while addressing widespread speculations about him being an atheist.

Following the release of ‘Moral Instruction’, Falz’ 2019 debut album, whose third track had taken a critical shot at religious hypocrisy, the singer’s mother had expressed concerns about him not being the one for church services.

“Folarin, you don’t go to church and I am bothered. I hope you would start going to church this year,” Fumi Falana had complained while reacting to the release of the new album.

“I have nothing against the church or going to church. Everyone has the right to practice the religion they desire. It has been a while that I have been to church. It does not make me less of a Christian,” Falz had said in reaction.

“The reason is that I went to a few churches and, during sermons, I was put under undue pressure. There was a time that a pastor called me to the altar just to acknowledge my presence for being in church.

“In my mind, I felt that the service was not about me. I felt that everybody was there to worship God, yet they were putting undue pressure on me. The pastor gave me the microphone to address the congregation and I was puzzled; what did he expect me to say to the congregation?”

On the flurry of criticisms that met the release of the album, Falz said his critical stance on societal issues has had him always “expecting the worst”.

“My songs are always going to be heard. The world is a lot smaller now; it only takes one post and it’s everywhere regardless of the attempts by powers that be to try to stop stuff here and there,” he said.

“If you’re making this kind of music, you have to always be ready for the worst. Of course, ‘This is Nigeria’ was banned. We’re still in court. But I have my fundamental rights so you can’t really stop that regardless of what body you are.”