When Childish Gambino dropped the visual for "This Is America," he had to know remakes would abound. Some have been god-awful like the "This Is America: Women's Edit," while others like "This Is Nigeria" brilliantly and comically use the same tactics Gambino did to bring light to the country's issues.
"This Is Nigeria," which was released Friday, May 25, has been called a masterpiece by fans.
In #ThisIsNigeria, Falz used humour and a very creative concept to address the most pressing issues in Nigeria. This is what most people are afraid to voice out.
This is what we need to see more of in Nigeria. Music with a real message.
— Iseunife The First (@Shawnife_) May 26, 2018
The video has even received praise from Diddy.
Although the production has been getting its due praise, many may not be familiar with the video's creator, Nigerian rapper, actor and songwriter Falz. Born Folarin Falana in Nigeria's Lagos State, Falz is no rookie.
1. Just like Donald Glover, he has an alter ego.
Falz refers to his alter ego, Broda Taju, as “a persona and part of my brand."
"You hear it in my music and it’s a character I bring out especially online on social media just for entertainment," he told Nigeria News. "To keep my fans engaged and make them feel closer to me."
Also, part of his everyday moniker Bahd stands for brilliant and highly distinct according to Nigerian Finder.
2. He received international recognition for his song "Marry Me."
The songwriter, who began his music career in secondary school, was ultimately thrust into the limelight for his song "Marry Me." With featured vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade, the song earned him a nomination in the Best Collaboration of the Year category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Taking his talents to America, he also won Choice Best International Act at the 2016 BET Awards.
3. Travel has had a huge impact on his craft.
Coming from a family that traveled often helped expose him to different cultures and people.
“From Lagos, Abuja, Osun State and the UK – I had a taste of a lot of different environments," he told Nigeria News.
4. Falz invented Afro hip-hop style "Wazup" music.
"It’s a lot of humour and traditional indigenous Nigerian sounds fused with contemporary sounds,” he said.
More specifically, it's described as a fusion of faux Yoruba language (with an accent), English comical rap lines and creatively delivering your message without losing your audience.
5. He'll be bringing his acting skills to Hollywood in a new TV series.
According to Pulse.ng, the Bahd guy will make his Hollywood debut in a new television series called Church where he will star as Church (short for William Randolph Church), a charismatic and intense Nigerian billionaire. The show will premier on BLK Prime, a subscription video on demand network.
He's no stranger to acting as he has received an Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Award (AMVCA) for best actor.
6. He doesn't consider himself a comedian.
Despite his funny skits and the humor he brings to his craft, he insists he isn't a comedian.
7. He has a law degree.
Falz’s father, Femi Falana, is a renowned Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist. Following in his father's footsteps, he too had an interest for law. According to a 2014 blog post published by the artist, he studied law at the University of Reading. Ultimately, music stole his heart.
