Moral Instruction

Moral Instruction is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper Falz. It was released on January 15, 2019, by Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album was recorded in Nigerian Pidgin and samples musical recordings from Fela Kuti. Its production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from TMXO, Willis, and Chillz. Moral Instruction features collaborations with Demmie Vee, Chillz and Sess. The album's release was preceded by "Talk", a socio-conscious song that addresses critical events. Moral Instruction won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2019.
Falz recorded Moral Instruction in 2018 and characterized it as "a movement, re-education and re-orientation". Thematically, the album addresses societal issues such as corrupt politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud. Moral Instruction is seen as a continuation of the single "This Is Nigeria", a sociocultural and political song that quickly gained popularity due to its direct remarks. The cover art for Moral Instruction was created by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, a long-time Fela collaborator. Falz held an album listening party at the Landmark Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos. Guests who attended the event were dressed in school uniforms and gifted stationery materials.
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. 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". 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. The music video for "Talk" was released on January 10, 2019. At the beginning of the video, a young boy is shown playing a video game with Falz as his main character. The game allows the boy to use the character he selected to either "Save Nigeria," "Relocate to Yankee" or "Join Gang". When the boy selects the first option, Falz is thrust into the real world, where he aspires to be a judge and politician.
On January 20, 2019, Falz released "The Curriculum", an eight-minute short film that highlights all the songs on the album. 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. The introductory scenes show students treating each other badly, alluding to the fact that Nigerians don't care enough about one another. Subsequent scenes show armed students meeting at night and performing some sort of ritual. 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.
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.
Moral Instruction opens with "Johnny", a song that tackles Nigeria's insecurity and reckless killings; Falz depicts a vivid story of a NYSC member who was shot in Abuja by a police officer in July 2018. "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. "Hypocrites" addresses the pretentious lifestyle of Nigerians, specifically religious leaders. In "Talk", Falz addresses critical events and advises Nigerian youth to be careful about greedy politicians. "Amen" is a critical appraisal of religion and the double standards that we often see.
In "Brother's Keeper", Falz explains the need for personal responsibility and how the problems of Nigeria are interconnected. "Paper" launches a staunch attack on the culture of ritualism, internet fraud and child marriage. In "E No Finish", Falz speaks against the greed of politicians and the causal link it has with the vices. On the closing track "After All Said And Done", he admits to his own imperfections.
Moral Instruction received positive reviews from music critics. Pulse Nigeria's Ehis Ohunyon 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 Music critic Oris Aigbokhaevbolo said Moral Instruction lacks introspection, but "does a much better job of political commentary than This Is Nigeria". Aigbokhaevbolo also opined that the album might be Falz's "best chance to outlive his corporeal self". 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. A writer for Jaguda praised Falz for blending Afrobeat and hip hop seamlessly and said the "message on the album was delivered without ambiguity".
Moral Intruction won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2019.
Track notes
Sample credits
Credits were adapted from an instagram note posted by the rapper.