Falz, the Nigerian rapper and activist, recently shared a poignant moment that solidified his belief in the impact of the #ENDSARS protest against police brutality in Nigeria. Reflecting on the protests, he recounted witnessing the immense solidarity and determination among the youth during the demonstrations.
He recalled feeling a surge of hope as thousands of Nigerians took to the streets, united in their demands for justice and reform. The sight of diverse groups coming together, sharing their stories, and advocating for change made him realize that the movement had the potential to create lasting impact. Falz emphasized that this collective action represented a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against systemic injustice, inspiring not only the participants but also those observing from afar. His reflections highlight the power of unity and the resolve of the Nigerian youth in seeking a better future.
During a recent interview on the With Chude podcast, Falz, the Nigerian rapper and activist, reflected on the unexpected magnitude of the #ENDSARS protests in 2020. He shared his initial disbelief at the overwhelming engagement and support the movement received, stating, “I don’t think anyone saw the numbers coming. I don’t think anyone imagined it or could have imagined that it would have been so crazy, but it was super exciting to see.”
Falz emphasized that the movement stemmed from a collective outrage against ongoing police brutality and harassment, where citizens were being mistreated by those meant to protect them. He recounted how he and fellow artist Runtown became spearheads of the protest, explaining that Runtown’s tweet about a planned demonstration resonated deeply with him.
“I put out a tweet about the protest, expecting 50 to 100 people, but the entire stretch of Ozumba Mbadiwe was packed,” he recalled. It was at that moment that Falz realized the significance of what they had initiated, acknowledging that it was an impactful and historic moment for the movement and for Nigeria as a whole.