Moral Instruction | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | January 15, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2018 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 24:36 | |||
Label | Bahd Guys Entertainment | |||
Producer |
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Falz chronology | ||||
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Singles from Moral Instruction | ||||
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Moral Instruction is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper Falz. [1] It was released on January 15, 2019, by Bahd Guys Entertainment. [2] The album was recorded in Nigerian pidgin and samples musical recordings from Fela Kuti. [3] Its production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from TMXO, Willis, and Chillz. [1] The album features collaborations with Demmie Vee, Chillz and Sess. [1] Moral Instruction addresses societal issues such as corrupt politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud. [4] The album's release was preceded by "Talk", a socio-conscious record that addresses critical events. [5] The cover art for Moral Instruction was created by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, a long-time Fela collaborator. [3] The album won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2019.
Falz recorded Moral Instruction in 2018. He described it as a movement, re-education and re-orientation. [6] The album is considered an extension of the rapper's 2018 single "This Is Nigeria", a political and socio-cultural track that captured the attention of many with its blunt messages. [6] The album's listening party was held at the Landmark Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos. [6] Guests who attended the listening party were dressed in their school uniforms and were gifted stationery materials. [6]
Moral Instruction opens with "Johnny", a song that tackles Nigeria's insecurity and reckless killings; [7] Falz depicts a vivid story of a NYSC member who was shot in Abuja by a police officer in July 2018. [7] "Follow Follow" is a blend of Afrobeat and hip hop. Interspersed with Fela's "Zombie", the song is about one finding their identity amidst the distraction of social media and celebrity craze. [8] [7] "Hypocrites" addresses the pretentious lifestyle of Nigerians, specifically religious leaders. [7] In "Talk", Falz addresses critical events and advises Nigerian youth to be careful about greedy politicians. [5] "Amen" is a critical appraisal of religion and the double standards that we often see. [9] In "Brother's Keeper", Falz explains the need for personal responsibility and how the problems of Nigeria are interconnected. [9] "Paper" launches a staunch attack on the culture of ritualism, internet fraud and child marriage. [9] In "E No Finish", Falz speaks against the greed of politicians and the causal link it has with the vices. [9] On the closing track "After All Said And Done", he admits to his own imperfections. [7]
The album's lead single "Talk" was released on January 12, 2019. It sheds light on greedy politicians, ineffective presidency, and Nigeria's penchant for consumption. [3] Falz opens the record talking about the Muslim Rights Concern's failure to appear in court several months after serving him a 7-day ultimatum to withdraw the video for "This Is Nigeria". [10] He also spoke about the misappropriation of public funds by political leaders, and sheds light on pastors who purchase private jet while their congregation live in extreme poverty. [10] The music video for "Talk" was released on January 10, 2019. It begins with a young boy playing a video game with Falz as his character. [11] The game allows the boy to use the character he selected to either "Save Nigeria," "Relocate to Yankee" or "Join Gang". [11] He chooses the first option, sending Falz into the real world where the rapper tries to become a politician and judge. [11]
On January 20, 2019, Falz released "The Curriculum", an eight-minute short film that highlights all the songs on the album. [12] The film stars Falz, Yung Willis, Kunle Oshodi-Glover Jr, and Bolly Lomo; it also features cameo appearances from Olumide Oworu, Nancy Isime, Nkem Marchie, and Jemima Osunde. [13] The introductory scenes show students treating each other badly, alluding to the fact that Nigerians don't care enough about one another. [14] Subsequent scenes show armed students meeting at night and performing some sort of ritual. [14] Another scene depicts a morning assembly in which students are assembled to elect members of their student body and there are only two candidates; this particular scene is an attempt to portray the Nigerian political scene in which the ruling parties present candidates and the others are considered non-existent. [14]
On April 9, 2019, Falz released the Iyobosa Rehoboth-directed visuals for "Hypocrite". In it, he portrays an election official whose polling unit is attacked by political thugs prior to announcing the start of voting. [15]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Medium | 8/10 |
Pulse Nigeria | |
Jaguda |
Moral Instruction received positive reviews from music critics. Ehis Ohunyon of Pulse Nigeria called it a "compact album that holds important conversations" and said while the remaining tracks on it are good, they failed to keep the spark and edge of the project's opening three tracks [7] Music journalist Oris Aigbokhaevbolo said Moral Instruction lacks introspection, but "does a much better job of political commentary than This Is Nigeria". [8] Aigbokhaevbolo also opined that the album might be Falz's "best chance to outlive his corporeal self". [8]
In a review for Nigerian Entertainment Today , Umar Sa'ad Hassan praised Falz's narrative skills and cognizant efforts to deliver positive messages, but ended the review saying he tries too hard to exert himself on some Fela sounds. [16] Faithfulness Okom of Medium described Moral Instruction as a "conscious magnus [sic] opus by all standards" and declared it a "game changing and culture redefining project that is lyrically consistent". [9] A writer for Jaguda praised Falz for blending Afrobeat and hip hop seamlessly and said the "message on the album was delivered without ambiguity". [17]
Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Results |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | The Headies [18] | Best Rap Album | Won |
Album of the Year | Won |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Johnny" | Falz | TMXO | 2:44 |
2. | "Follow Follow" | Falz | Sess | 2:35 |
3. | "Hypocrite" (featuring Demmie Vee) |
| Sess | 3:41 |
4. | "Talk" | Falz | Willis | 2:31 |
5. | "Amen" | Falz | Sess | 2:49 |
6. | "Brother's Keeper" (featuring Sess) |
| Sess | 3:23 |
7. | "Paper" (featuring Chillz) |
| Chillz | 2:52 |
8. | "E No Finish" | Falz |
| 3:04 |
9. | "After All Said And Done" | Falz |
| 0:53 |
Total length: | 24:36 |
Track notes
Sample credits
Credits were adapted from an instagram note posted by the rapper. [19]
Region | Date | Format | Version | Label |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | January 15, 2019 | CD, Digital download | Standard | Bahd Guys Entertainment |
Afrobeat is a Nigerian music genre that involves the combination of West African musical styles and American funk, jazz, and soul influences, with a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms, and percussion. The style was pioneered in the 1960s by Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti, who is responsible for popularizing the style both within and outside Nigeria.
Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, also known as Abami Eda, was a Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist. He is regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre that combines West African music with American funk and jazz. At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers". AllMusic described him as a musical and sociopolitical voice of international significance.
Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, who is called by the name Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of the famous Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. Seun leads his father's former band Egypt 80.
Lemi Ghariokwu, also known simply as Lemi, is a Nigerian artist, illustrator and designer who is most renowned for providing many of the original cover images for the recordings of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.
Sorrow Tears and Blood is an album by Nigerian Afrobeat composer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti recorded in 1977 and originally released on the Nigerian Kalakuta label.
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Folarin Falana(Listen), better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Falz became more well-known after releasing the song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.
The following is a list of events and releases that have happened or are expected to happen in 2018 in African music.
"This Is Nigeria" is a song by Nigerian rapper Falz, released on 25 May 2018. It is a cover of Childish Gambino's "This Is America". Falz's father Femi Falana performed background vocals on the track. "This Is Nigeria" addresses a number of societal issues prevalent in Nigeria, including SARS brutality, codeine abuse and unrestrained killings. The music video for "This Is Nigeria" runs for a total of three minutes and 43 seconds. It was directed by Prodigeezy and produced by Wande Thomas.
"Energy " is a song by English grime artist Skepta and Nigerian musician Wizkid. It initially debuted at number 73 on the UK Singles Chart, but reached a peak of number 59 following the release of its music video in September. The song spent a total of 15 weeks on the UK Singles chart. It has been certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Denzel is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on August 24, 2018, by Chocolate City. The album features guest appearances from Tay Iwar, Cina Soul, Lorraine Chia, Odunsi the Engine, Lady Donli, Niyola and PatricKxxLee. Its production was handled by M.I, Tay Iwar, Chopstix, Major Bangz, TMXO, Doz, G Clef, Chillz, GMK and PatricKxxLee. Yung Denzel addresses topics such as depression, mental health, disloyalty and cultural repression. It explores themes of self-introspection, self-doubt and reassurance. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2019.
Oṣó is the sixth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on 27 March 2018. The album was produced entirely by Mikky Me Joses and consists of 11 tracks, including three recorded in the Yoruba language. Oṣó is a mixture of Alternative folk and Yoruba music and has elements of mysticism; it sheds light on Brymo's folk and traditional roots. Oṣó was supported by the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ". It received critical acclaim from music critics, who complimented its production and Brymo's songwriting. The website Pulse Nigeria and Nigerian Entertainment Today ranked Oṣó second on their list of the best Nigerian albums of 2018.
Outside is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. It was released on January 26, 2018, through Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit and Atlantic Records. The album is the follow-up to his debut extended play Redemption (2016). Described by the singer as a mixtape, Outside consists mostly of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and road rap. It features guest vocals from English musicians J Hus, Lily Allen and Mabel. Outside was supported by six singles: "Rock Your Body", "Streets of Africa", "Koni Baje", "Sekkle Down", "Heaven's Gate" and "Ye". Its production was handled by various producers, including Juls, Leriq, P2J, Jae 5, FRED and Phantom.
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The Mayor of Lagos is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Mayorkun. It was released on November 16, 2018, through Davido Music Worldwide. The album's production was handled by Speroach Beatz, Cracker Mallo, Fresh VDM, Kiddominant, DJ Coublon, Phantom, Northboi, Killertunes and Lussh. Mayorkun enlisted Davido, Sarkodie, D'banj, Patoranking and other label mates to appear as guest artists on the album. Preceding the album's release were five singles: "Mama", "Che Che", "Bobo", "Fantasy" and "Posh". The album won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2019.
Steel & Copper is a collaborative EP by Nigerian singer Burna Boy and American production duo DJDS. The EP comprises 4 tracks and was released on March 21, 2019, through Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records and Loma Vista Recordings. It is the follow-up to Burna Boy's third studio album Outside and DJDS' fourth studio album Big Wave More Fire. Steel & Copper blends Burna Boy’s upbeat melodies with DJDS' slinky trap beats.
Black Magic is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, released by Effyzzie Music Group on December 15, 2017. A follow-up to her 2017 EP Mama Afrique, the album features guest appearances from Falz and Olamide. Black Magic was made available for pre-order in November 2017. Prior to disclosing the album's title, Alade posted the acronym BM on social media and wanted her fans to guess its meaning. The album was produced by DJ Coublon, Vtek, Sarz, Krizbeatz, Young D, Sess, Fliptyce, IAmBeat, Philkeyz, 2Kriss and Echo. It was supported by the previously released singles "Knack Am", "Single & Searching" and "Heart Robber". The album received generally negative reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and Alade's songwriting.
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