Falana blends retro Afro styles with a catchy modern soul pop sound on new single, “Nostalgia”
In an era where genre lines are dissolving and global influences reign, rising Nigerian-Canadian artist Falana emerges as a defining voice in soul-pop with the release of her powerful new single, “Nostalgia.” Marking the first taste of her highly anticipated debut album, the track signals a bold new chapter from an artist already hailed as one of the “Nigerian musicians changing pop” (The New Yorker). Falana’s unique sonic palette—rooted in Lagos and layered with the textures of Havana, London, and Toronto—continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Produced by Afropop heavyweight Louddaaa, “Nostalgia” weaves emotional vulnerability into a lush Afropop framework, underscoring Falana’s gift for turning personal reflection into universal resonance. With a striking visual filmed in Lagos that doubles as a cultural showcase and emotional time capsule, Falana invites us into her world—raw, vivid, and wholly unforgettable. We caught up with her to talk about the new single, her creative evolution, and what’s next.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a Nigerian-Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician, currently based between Lagos and Toronto. I love being on stage, I love all things art, film, music,and fashion. I just live to absorb as much as I can!
“Nostalgia” is such a layered and emotional song. What was the first spark of inspiration behind it, and how did it evolve into what we hear today?
I wrote the song in 2023 with a beautiful friend and talented songwriter, Ale Alberti. I remember when we got to the studio that day, I was in a low place and wasn’t sure if I even wanted to continue making music, but I just showed up.
We met up in a studio in LA, and “Nostalgia” was born in no more than 20 minutes. At the time, I knew the best I could do was write from a place of honesty, and that’s what I did. I also love songwriters like Tracy Chapman, Asa, Joni Mitchel, Sia, who really paint pictures with their lyrics. So, I really tried to tell a story with the song. After I cut the demo, I sent it to Louddaaa (producer) and he immediately connected to the feeling and emotions of the song. He was so inspired he created a new production for the record.
What was it like working with Louddaaa on this track, and how did his style help shape your vision?
Louddaaa is such a talented producer, and there are so many similarities with the way we approach creating music. Music is a spirit and we really just tuned into making the emotion musically match the lyric and story we were telling. Louddaaa is also so dedicated to really bringing out the emotion of a song sonically, no matter how long it takes. I respect him so much for that.
You mentioned shooting in Lagos and celebrating Nigerian fashion, film, and creativity. What parts of Nigerian culture were you most excited to showcase in this video?
Everything! Shooting in Surulere, with traditional 70s architecture, the fashion designers, also every single creative I worked with! It is just about reflecting the truth of who we are and where we come from.
You’ve lived and created music in Lagos, Havana, London, and Toronto. How do those diverse cities continue to shape your sound and artistic identity?
It is wild thinking back to when I started my journey as an artist, I knew that it was going to be global, but didn’t necessarily understand how. Not many people understand duality or the complexity of being from or connected to many places. I do feel so grateful to be the sum of all these unique parts. Whether it’s telling Nigerian stories and showcasing my culture, or being inspired by Cuban rhythms or musicianship, or even just tapping into Western pop, I just allow my sound and sonic identity to be what it is. I create from my own truth and taste. If I like it, it moves.
How do you define your sound within the evolving Afropop scene—and where do you want to push it next?
I think defining music by a single genre in 2025 is tricky because we live in such an interconnected world. Once thing I know for sure is that my music hits your soul. Soul Pop maybe with afro sensibilities? I don’t get too stressed about genre anymore. I just let my spirit lead and let people meet me where I am.
Are there any dream collaborations still on your list — artists, producers, or even visual creatives?
Raphael Saadiq. I would LOVE to spend a month making an album with him. I would cry. J Cole. Chronixx. Burna Boy. Solange. Cleo Sol. Melina Matsoukas, Barry Jenkins. The list is long tbh, I am just so inspired by artists who are boldly themselves.
What’s up next for you?
Definitely more music! A full-length project for sure. Going on tour and exploring acting and other mediums of creativity.