Get To Know: Falana

Artistic individuality is something Canadian Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Falana is undeniably competent in. After being introduced to various countries and cultures around the world, from Nigeria, Canada, and the UK, to Denmark, Cuba and the US, it has made her a product of such diverse environments. This is evident in her work, her creativity is not only prominent in music, but in her expression too. From producing mellow tunes, writing profound lyrics, and being a multi-instrumentalist, to the distinctive ‘braid pom-pom’ hairstyle that Falana is well recognised for and describes as a ‘statement’.

Following the initial recognition from her self produced EP ‘Chapter One’, Falana has taken a different approach to production and sound for her next project. Collaborating with producers such as KingBjmn, Dale Virgo, TBoy and Davey O, who have worked with big names such as Rihanna, Drake, Burna Boy, Future and Adekunle Gold to name a few, Falana returns with a follow-up EP: 'Rising'.

Earlier this year, Falana dropped the lead track for the EP, ‘Joy’. A fusion of RnB and Afrobeats with sweet clipped melodies served by optimistic and just about assertive lyricism: “ Trouble, won’t let up, I keep it moving” and “ Diamonds or Pleasure it's joy that I’m choosing”. Months later, the highly acclaimed singer-songwriter Oxlade featured on a remix, with both the assisted music video and remix surpassing over 100,000 views on Youtube.

The singer-songwriter and producer sat down with New Wave Magazine to let us know more about herself, her artistry and the journey to 'Rising'.

Fluid is the best way to describe Falana and her style of music. Splitting her time between Lagos, Toronto and London means being exposed to all kinds of genres. This exposure comes in great help to build the singer’s record. Soul, Pop, RnB, AfroBeat - Falana is able to hit the balance. “Growing up in Canada I listened to Pop, Dancehall, RnB and Soul whilst being raised in a proud Nigerian household. Plus at times I write and record in London too, so being in all these environments influences the way you create or write. 'Rising' is like an embodiment of my journeys and perhaps it will reach many different people in many different ways seeing as I am a product of so many surroundings”.

The creation of this project begins in 2019, all the way through to the end of the pandemic and its restrictions. When the lockdowns were enforced, it gave Falana some uncertainty with what she had planned with her music. She explains how it was challenging to stay creative at times, especially with everything going on in the world. As a songwriter, did it hinder her skills and ability? “This project is special because I didn’t force any of these songs. They just came. However, you can’t rely on inspiration all the time. I try not to believe in writer's block. I think it’s all in process. Getting from point A to point B”.

Falana’s favourite albums are the ones that take her on a journey. She gives admiration to artists such as Sia, Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson whose work she enjoys and would love to collaborate with. For 'Rising', that was what she wanted her listeners to experience. A journey. From the storytelling in ‘Sweet Adetola’, the feeling of empowerment in ‘Electric Lady’ and ‘Energy’ to the sexiness and drive in 'Cassanova'. The 7 track EP is what Falana calls a mixture of "vibe and message". When Falana was asked to describe her music in three words, "real, rising and raw" were the answers she gave. “Real because I am not trying to be anybody else. With my songwriting, I believe it’s quite raw. I never try to over polish myself. Rising - I believe I’m always rising, I’m always evolving.” Her explanation to her being "real" sheds light on her uniqueness and distinction.

As an artist and as a brand, Falana not only makes expressions in her music, but in her style too. Into the "old and the new", she admires American actress Zoe Kravitz's fashion sense and is drawn towards the "tomboy and feminine" look. Her braid pom-pom hairstyle which she calls a "statement" is a look that has fans tagging her in fan art and pictures of their own hair too. Rooted in her Nigerian background, Falana feels that her hairstyle is "feminine, flirty and fun!". “It also feels rooted from where I am from, Nigeria. It has somehow become iconic, people can go ‘oh I know who that is’, like SIA somehow”

Before the interview comes to a close, we touch on the hardships that may come whilst being a black woman in the music industry and what measures are taken to get over obstacles and challenges. “The force you need to use to open the doors in the industry is different compared to what others might experience. Or even how sometimes you may be put in a box for who you are and what you look like. This is a male-dominated industry and it’s all reality but we try our best to take up space in any way. How I carry myself, how I speak in interviews. How I present myself on stage. To perhaps inspire others. And re-write narratives”.

Two years after her freshman EP, Falana has shown growth and evolution on her 'Rising'. Unveiling a new layer to her sound and artistry to fans and earning the attention of new fans too.

Listen to 'Rising', available on all streaming platforms.