Falz Breaks Silence on Fornication Remarks, Says He No Longer Identifies as Christian

 

Falz Declares Shift from Christianity, Defends Fornication Stance in Candid Interview

Nigerian rapper, singer, and social commentator, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has addressed the social media firestorm sparked by his controversial stance on fornication. The entertainer, who is no stranger to public debate, left many bewildered after stating on X (formerly Twitter) that fornication is not a sin. The post immediately drew fierce backlash from religious adherents, many of whom cited passages from the Bible and Qur’an in rebuttal.

Following days of heated online discourse, Falz has stepped forward to offer clarity on his comment, revealing that his viewpoint was not grounded in the traditional doctrines of Christianity or Islam. During a candid appearance on Arise TV, the artist stated that he no longer identifies as a Christian, explaining that his personal philosophy aligns with what he described as the “religion of love.”

The clarification, however, may not entirely quell the firestorm, as it introduces new layers to the already complex dialogue around personal beliefs, faith, morality, and societal norms in Nigeria — a country deeply rooted in religious culture.

According to Falz, the tweet was never intended to provoke religious communities or challenge scriptural authority. Rather, it was an honest reflection of his own belief system. He stressed that many critics misinterpreted his message by viewing it strictly through the lens of Christian doctrine.

“A lot of people read the tweet and assumed I was speaking from a Christian perspective,” he said during the televised interview. “I wasn’t. I practice the religion of love. That’s where I’m coming from. In that space, I don’t see fornication as a sin.”

This statement came as a surprise to many, especially since Falz was previously known to have a Christian background. His father, the renowned human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana (SAN), is widely regarded as a moral compass in legal and civil society circles. While Falz didn’t delve into the process of how or when he transitioned out of Christianity, he firmly stated that he no longer subscribes to its teachings.

Delving deeper into his reasoning, Falz questioned the fundamental objections many religions have to premarital sex. He posited that if two unmarried adults engage in consensual intimacy, there is no clear victim or moral failing.

“What exactly is the offense?” he asked. “Two people, not married, but grown, consenting to something intimate. Who does it hurt? Why should that be a sin?”

This rationalist approach to morality — one centered on consent and mutual respect rather than religious absolutes — may find resonance among younger Nigerians who are increasingly questioning inherited traditions. However, it also places Falz in direct opposition to conservative religious institutions that continue to wield immense influence over public opinion.

His statements have stirred strong reactions not only from the Christian community but also from Muslims, many of whom view sexual relations outside of marriage as expressly forbidden. Clerics and laypeople alike have weighed in, with some accusing Falz of misleading his audience and others calling for a broader conversation about personal freedom and spiritual identity.

Despite the uproar, Falz remained composed during the interview, insisting that he was not trying to force his beliefs on anyone. He made it clear that his position was personal and that he respects the rights of others to hold different convictions.

“I’m not here to tell anyone how to live or what to believe,” he added. “But I also have the right to express what I believe without being crucified for it.”

This isn’t the first time the rapper has used his platform to challenge societal norms. Over the years, Falz has tackled political corruption, police brutality, and the failures of the Nigerian state through his music and public commentary. His 2018 music video for “This is Nigeria” was banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission for its bold critique of national issues — a move he defended as an attack on free speech.

This latest controversy, however, ventures into more personal and deeply sensitive territory: religion, morality, and sexuality. It’s unclear whether Falz’s remarks will have a lasting impact on his public image or whether his fanbase will embrace his new ideological direction. What is certain is that he has once again opened up space for uncomfortable, yet necessary, conversations in a society where questions of faith and freedom are rarely discussed openly.

As the dust continues to settle, many will be watching closely — not just to see what Falz says next, but to assess how Nigeria, a nation at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, responds to the ideas he’s dared to express.