Nigerian-Canadian singer, Falana, who is fresh from the success of her sophomore EP ‘Rising’ is set to be recognized for her music by the SOCAN Foundation. Falana is among five recipients of this year’s SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards.
She is very happy to be recognized for a project that according to her solidified her voice as a songwriter.
While talking during a video call, she said: “I have been honored with this award as a Black songwriter in all of Canada. That’s a pretty big deal. And it’s really encouraging because as songwriters, we have the highest heights we want to achieve, and this was just a really timely award.”
When she was asked to talk about her music, she said she has a go-to joke.
She said: “It’s like if Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse had a baby and the baby was born in Lagos, Nigeria. That’s me.
“I’m very intentional with my lyrics. I like to have a message but the vibe of the music is also really strong.”
While talking about the ways she developed an international mindset, she said growing up in Brampton and her time at Turner Fenton Secondary School where she was actively involved in the school’s culture festival helped her.
She also said Brampton is a place that develops talent.
She said: “Brampton is an incubator. In terms of Brampton being a city for building talent, I think there are a lot of outlets.
“I think once you’re a city that creates opportunities for creativity, and they put money into it, naturally, you’re going to get talent.”
While advising other young artists, she said: “Be very aware of when fear is driving your decisions and then try your best to ignore it and overcome it because it’s in the face of fear that you see the most growth, that you see the most opportunities. I wouldn’t be where I am receiving the SOCAN award if I was living off fear because I wouldn’t have taken all the many risks that I’ve taken.”
