Falz Break Time EP: Rapper Says Government Must Prioritise Nigerians

Falz Break Time EP has sparked fresh conversations about governance and accountability after the Nigerian rapper and activist said the five-track project was created to encourage Nigerians and Africans to pause, reflect and reassess the direction of society.

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, the award-winning artiste said the five-track project was inspired by the need for Nigerians and Africans at large to “pause” and reassess the direction society is heading.

“I wanted to make a statement with the music. I wanted to do something different and draw new inspiration,” Falz said. “With everything we’re going through, we’ve reached breaking point. That’s why I called it Break Time. We need to pause, stop, and really re-evaluate what is going on.”

The rapper explained that the classroom-themed introduction to the EP, complete with the sound of a school bell, was intentional. According to him, education remains one of the most important tools for societal transformation.

“When we bring people up, education is the first thing we need to focus on. If people don’t know their rights or how to function in society, that’s when things begin to go wrong,” he said.

Although the project is aimed at a global audience, Falz noted that its message is primarily directed at Nigerians and Africans who continue to face similar socio-economic and political challenges.

“The music is for a global audience, but the message is for our people first. Across Africa, we’re dealing with many of the same issues, and these are problems we shouldn’t still be facing today,” he added.

One of the most talked-about moments during the interview came when Falz addressed comments by Nigeria’s First Lady suggesting that celebrities should establish foundations to support citizens because the government is under significant pressure.

Rejecting the idea, the rapper argued that providing relief for citizens is the government’s constitutional responsibility, not that of entertainers.

“Is that the solution to our problems? More foundations? It’s absurd,” Falz said.

He questioned the government’s spending priorities, pointing to the acquisition of luxury vehicles and aircraft while insecurity and economic hardship continue to worsen.

“If you look at what has been spent on acquiring new vehicles, jets, and all these things, then look at what is happening with insecurity and what the people are facing, what are your priorities?” he asked.

Falz also dismissed the argument that the administration deserves sympathy because of the pressure of governing.

“Why the pressure on the government? Did anyone beg you to seek public office? You campaigned for it. If I remember clearly, the campaign slogan was ‘Emi lokan’, which means you wanted this responsibility from the beginning. So why complain about pressure now?”

The outspoken artiste maintained that while charitable foundations have their place, they cannot replace effective governance.

“There is work to be done, and that work belongs to those elected to serve the people,” he said.

When asked what message he hopes government officials take away after listening to Break Time, Falz did not hesitate.

“We need to fix up,” he said. “It’s unbearable at this point. People are struggling just to survive. The standard of living is ridiculous. You can’t even stay in your own house and feel safe anymore. They’re playing politics with people’s lives. It’s too much.”

With Break Time, Falz once again blends music with social commentary, using his platform to amplify public concerns while challenging those in leadership to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.