Review: Falz Renews Pledge as Utilitarian Artist in “O wa” ft Tekno

When Niyi Osundare says he makes a solemn pledge to himself that /the people’s voices will find their rhythm in his songs/, he is not speaking for himself only, but also for other Nigerian creatives who see themselves as burden bearers. Folarin Falana, aka Falz belongs to this wagon of creatives.

Some may argue that activism runs in his veins given his family background and education. Beyond that, however, the Nigerian question is big enough to push a creative mind like Falz to involve in utilitarian art. This assertion quickly begs to clarify who is worthy to be called a utilitarian artist. Well, say a socio-politically conscious and consistent artist, a talk-and-do; that, whose life reflects the message he preaches, whose actions embolden the lyrics of his songs….and Falz is definitely one.

Folarin has been around for a while, and he has consistently fought for the dignity of the Nigerian masses through his music. From This is Nigeria, Talk, Moral Instruction, and Hypocrite to O Wa, his most recent and first single for the year 2023, Falz identifies as a bold and restless voice that bemoans the Nigerian malady, and attacks the leadership of his country for heaping untold hardship on the masses with the view to make the society better.

Falz ft Tekno ‘O wa’ Lyrics Meaning

It is not coincidence that his first single in 2023, O wa featuring Tekno is coming at a crucial time in the history of Nigeria. The song, does not only serve as reminder, but also as a warning to Nigerians to re-write their common history of neo-colonial slavery and oppression under despotic and self-minded leaders in the forthcoming elections.

In O Wa lyrics, Falz throws missiles at the Nigerian leadership for plunging the ship of the country into an abyss of economic crises. He also bemoans the joint decision of the federal government and the CBN to make life difficult for the people through the Naira redesign policy. He sings:

All the tax wey we generate
Why the cash no dey circulate
And when we start to calculate
Everybody come dey agitate

The singer further attacks the ruling class in stanza 2. He describes Nigerian leaders as “animals in Agbada.” He also talks about the events that characterise every election year in the country; how politicians go about campaigning and deceiving people with their fake empty promises:

Many animal dey put on Agbada
I get medicine wey dey cure anything
E dey cure poverty
Bring prosperity
Many things
Many things

Tekno corroborates the above in his verse when he says that the country lacks formation, a reality which has pushed many youths into unthinkable acts. Even those who engage in real hustles do not have access to meaningful life, because the country’s climate does not reward their labour.

Using Sikira as an example, the singer illustrates the struggles of the average Nigerian. He observes that the end does not always justify the means for many Nigerian “labourers.”

See I know Sikira
She don hustle tire
The way she dey work, suppose wear designer
But she no be baller she no know Dybala

He observes that the Nigerian hardship has led many young people into immoral acts like prostitution. He also carefully points to the fact that the end is often disastrous for many of them. For instance, many fall into the hands of sex-menaic and ritualist who uses them to meet their spiritual needs.

For your information
Population dey for prostitution
I say dem mama dem papa
Dem dey cry
Dem no know how pikin dey kpai

He goes on to dwell on other Nigerian maladies and expresses his anger and frustration at the ruling class. The audience observes that the singer cannot bear tyranny, corruption and oppression anymore. He says the driver needs stop the motor for him to alight.

Dem dey do us ojoro o
I curse the driver I tell conductor say waka
Dem dey do us ojoro o
Stop the motor I need to come down I tire
Dem dey do us ojoro o
Patapata everything scatter

In the above, the singer uses the driver and conductor as symbolic characters to represent the ruling class and politicians steering the wheel of the country. He has had enough woes and is visibly angry. No, he can’t continue on this journey to a better Nigeria with these sects of bad, corrupt and despotic leaders.

Invariably, Falz O wa ft Tekno lyrics highlights the anger and frustration at the Nigerian leadership and the miseries they have brought on the common man. The song comes at a critical time when Nigerians are about to choose a new leader for themselves. Therefore, O wa song by Falz is a subtle reminder for all Nigerians to reflect on their lives and make wise decisions at the polls.

Review of ‘O Wa’ Music Video

Anyone who observes the Falz keenly will agree to the fact that the singer is a master of his craft. Beyond a doubt, he has an x factor. And that is, his talent of storytelling which stands him out from other singers in the Afrobeats industry.

There is no better way to dramatise the lyrics of O Wa by Falz and Tekno. The music video visualises the pain, anger, and lack of faith in the present leadership of the country.

Naijabanquet observes that the costume of the singers resonates the issues inherent in the O Wa song. For instance, the red beret symbolises protest– the critical reaction which Falz and Tekno talks about in the lyrics.

O Wa music video is so relatable because the setting of the song and the scenes created in it showcase the cinematic experience that Nigerians go through every day. Particulary, the danfo buses, violence, and economic activities displayed in the video showcases Ojota and Agege as a cauldron of economic and criminal activities.

Over all, the directing and delivery is above par, and the general production is clean and likeable. It is must have been a lot of effort. Therefore, Falz deserves all the accolades!

Rating: 9/10

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Complete lyrics of ‘O wa’ by Falz ft Tekno

Here is the complet lyrics of ‘O Wa’.

Na so dem dey do
Pack everybody like sardine
We dey gallivant up and down
Forget say body no be machine
(Body no be machine)
All the tax wey we generate
Why the cash no dey circulate
And when we start to calculate
Everybody come dey agitate Ojota, O wa
Owa o
Owa