Nigerian rapper, comic and actor, Folarin Falana popularly called Falz has explained why he stopped going to church and how that does not make him less of a Christian.
In a new interview with Silverbird television, the entertainer said he is not an atheist and that he believes in spirituality over religion while also making it known that he believes in the existence of God.
“I’m not an atheist. I believe there is a God. But I believe in spirituality over religion.”
It would be recalled that Falz’s mother, Funmi Falana had complained about his persistent absence from church services after his 2019 debut album “Moral Instruction” was released.
However, Falz said in the interview:
“I have nothing against the church or going to church. Everyone has the right to practise the religion they desire. It has been a while that I have been to church. It does not make me less of a Christian.
The reason is that I went to a few churches and, during sermons, I was put under undue pressure. There was a time that a pastor called me to the altar just to acknowledge my presence for being in church.
In my mind, I felt that the service was not about me. I felt that everybody was there to worship God, yet they were putting undue pressure on me. The pastor gave me the microphone to address the congregation, and I was puzzled; what did he expect me to say to the congregation?”
Falz is not new to controversy as he consistently takes shots at the moral decadence in the Nigerian society, a motif that runs throughout his latest album.
Last year, he released a controversial song ‘This is Nigeria’ to a barrage of backlash from religious bodies, critics among others. The Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation banned the controversial video and audio.
On the criticisms that greeted the release of his non-conformist new album, Falz said:
“My songs are always going to be heard. The world is a lot smaller now; it only takes one post, and it’s everywhere, regardless of the attempts by powers that be to try to stop stuff here and there.
If you’re making this kind of music, you have to always be ready for the worst. ‘This is Nigeria’ was banned. We’re still in court. But I have my fundamental rights so you can’t really stop that regardless of what body you are.”
Falz is the latest celebrity to reveal that Church doesn’t cut it for him anymore.
Last month African-American actress and wife to acclaimed Pastor DeVon Franklin, Megan Good opened up that she doesn’t always attend church, citing that her experience with some church folks has not been that positive.
Watch Falz full interview below
https://youtu.be/A7X2ah_vUXc
Hallelujah Magazine is committed to publishing reliable, trusted, quality and independent Christian journalism. Our journalism is free from commercial bias and is not influenced by wealthy people, politicians, clerics or shareholders. We value our readers’ feedback, suggestions and opinions. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
