Canadian-Nigerian artist Falana shared the visuals for her single "Joy" earlier this year and promised to drop a project before the year ran out and true to her word, she finally gifts the world with Rising. The seven-track body of work is Falana's perspective on themes such as female empowerment, global culture, self-identity, inner struggles, and black love. To bring her ideas to wax, she has also gathered an interesting bunch of producers from around the world for that, such as American producers KingBjmn and Tyler Richards, Canadian producer Lord Quest, Jamaican native Dale Virgo, UK producer Tboy and lastly, Nigerian producer Davey O.
The project opens up with the love-soaked "Paper Planes" which is built on a somber texture and exudes neo-soul sensibilities. Falana delivers a solemn performance while reveling in the arms of her lover and all the memories they create as they move together in the universe. "Energy" is an Afropop/dance-infused cut that bridges the old and new. The production is remarkably warm and its retro aesthetics are undeniably strong as Falana's sultry vocals seamlessly engulf the beat. In the guitar-driven reflective track, "Sweet Adetola," she details the tale of struggles from the lens of a woman trying to make her way in this cold world where no one cares. Other choice tracks include the mellow "Casanova" and an engaging rendition of the classic song, "Wishing On A Star."
Overall, I love the diverse sounds Falana employs throughout the project and the cohesive energy as well. Nothing sounds out of place and the topics are easily relatable but the cherry on top is her vocal performance. In other words, Falana understands the assignment and delivers results with high marks.
