Canadian-Nigerian singer-songwriter FALANA first caught my attention with her self-produced EP Chapter One a while back. The singer then went on a musical journey across different continents to source inspiration and returns with a brand new uplifting anthem titled “Joy.” To fully bring this vision to life, she teams up with co-writer Omolara Ayodele and producer KINGBNJMN and the trio crafted this excellent soul-lifting jam (just before the global lockdown) at the legendary Geejam Studios in Port Antonio, Jamaica.
“Joy” is the first taste of the FALANA’s true songwriting and sees her seamlessly blending a plethora of genres from Afropop, soul, pop, R&B to name a few. As the title suggests, the record is first and foremost bright as ever with lush guitars, inviting strings, and a magnetic afrobeat drum pattern. FALANA’s sonorous vocals play center stage here and engulfs the ears with an impassioned tone and a catchy chorus to boot.
The video sees FALANA heading to Jamaica to work with the director Mykal Cushnie, who helps paint the perfect narrative for the song. It focuses on the good folks and the natural sights of Port Antonio from the rural parts to the enthralling plains. Of course, we do get to see FALANA’s unique performance and her signature orange braid pom-poms that define her style and artistry. The simple shots are seamless and well-paced. The creative use of balloons as a motif tightens the theme of hope and joy.
FALANA was born and raised in Toronto but recently moved to her parents’ hometown of Lagos, Nigeria, where she operates from.
Get “Joy” on all DSPs here.
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