Fresh off winning Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series) at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Falz just dropped a full-length movie of his song Soldier featuring fellow Nigerian singer Simi. Yes, movie – you read that right. Falz freaks me out. How can one person be so multi-talented? He’s a damn great singer, rapper, comedian and actor.
When I first heard Falz’s 17-track album: Stories that Touch (2015), it was tough to pick standout tracks because the whole album is classic. However, Soldier featuring Simi was definitely one of my favourites. Even though Falz and Simi sing in pidgin too, anyone can easily follow the storyline of the song. We don’t hear songs on the love lives of soldiers everyday. Nobody sings about the hustle it must be to date a soldier or a policeman. When Clap video came out in December, it’s originality made me wonder to myself what kind of video Soldier would have because I loved the song’s theme and the chemistry between Falz and Simi. I knew they would kill it. I also knew that fans would love to see the duo reunite on TV, since Simi’s music video of Jamb Question featuring Falz.
The short musical film shot By Clarence Peters is plain brilliant and dope, even though the storyline is basic – the typical ‘girl acting up then boy saves her’. The level and quality of production/acting however is way above 100%
We already knew that Falz is an award-winning actor, making Simi the superstar of this musical. When Falz returns from town, she starts with her attitude. When he stalks her to her classroom, she can’t seem to decide what to do – why her friends trail her conversations with Falz. So true and typical of African relationships. When you date an African lady, you are literally also dating her friends and family.
Surprisingly, the turning point of this film for me isn’t even when Falz ends up saving Simi from the bad guys (Ahhhhh – see what I did there 🙂 but when he storms her home and Simi’s mother comes guns blazing. Simi has to act in favour of her man and her mother at the same time. I applaud this lady’s acting skills. Clarence Peters has outdone himself with this story, casting and editing. The militia rebels were really badass. I also loved the score. Certain spots were subtle and easily unnoticeable but very necessary. Listen to 11:15 right after the scene with Simi’s mother.
Without a good song, you can create a great video nevertheless. Soldier however is amazing and one of my favourites off Falz’s album mainly because of its unique story. I can watch the full video severally. In the music video, Falz and Simi completely bring to life that love-hate feeling we all experience in relationships from time to time. I love where they argue in the market area and he literally makes it rain money. Still she warns him not to fall in love, “Is this a military regime?”
Soldier film reminds me of R. Kelly’s closet videos. I used to wonder who else would have balls (no pun intended) to film those kind of long clips in place of music videos. I applaud Falz’s 14-minute effort. This has set the pace for African artistes. I am sure others, especially Nigerians, have done this before but very few have been on point while maintaining the delicate balance between the song’s message versus the authenticity and originality of an artiste, while at the same time avoiding monotony. I love Falz. Haven’t heard or seen him do any wrong.
Black Roses 
Simi’s “I see this maga’ intro was so sublime, and her gestures so natural. The film brings out the mush in the song though haha. Poor soldier sent ‘ha letter through the post hoffice’. Beautiful song. Thank you for this
I really love the song maaaaan! Thanks for commenting.