by Alexander O. Onukwue

Why has Falz come out to criticise fraudulent behaviour?

The actor, singer and comedian made the observation that entertainers should paint good pictures and tell good stories instead of preaching 419 and glorifying fraudulent behaviour.

It was not an act by Falz, even if he passed the comment with his signature h-factor diction. He wasn’t trying to be funny either, judging from the quite serious look on his face and the fact he stressed the particular words of the lyrics, making no attempt to disguise the fact he was referring to 9ice and his new song.

Falz does not sing the “cleanest” of songs. Granted that there is some difference between what is moral and that which is illegal, he can expect to have his share of the blame when the roll for those “destroying our future” is called.

But Falz, in expressing his disgust at the hailing of fraudsters, may not just have been talking about musicians alone. Some platforms are commenting on his comments as an expression of opposition to the general problem of corruption in Nigeria.

Falz practised the legal profession for a while before dropping the wig and gown. He has a good idea of what is good or bad, and how hard it can be to stop the bad from going free, despite ample evidence to check it. He has made the point of making his songs heavy on words, some of which he has directed at aspects of society, the notable example being ‘Wehdone Sir’. We also know he is close to his father, Femi Falana, a vocal and regular human rights activist and a particular defender of the Buhari Government’s anti-corruption campaign.

Falana Senior and others on the Government’s side have been expressing their disappointment at the result of the corruption trial against Senate President Bukola Saraki. Now, Falz is criticising wealth from fraudulent means, stressing that it is not good for younger generations to believe it is a good thing.

Did his old man and the Saraki case have something to do with the comments that have come at this time? Fill in the blank spaces.

Editor