Falz Sparks Debate with Favorite Foods and Semo

Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, ignited a lively online discussion on Saturday, April 26, 2025, by sharing his favorite foods and a controversial opinion on semovita (semo) via his X handle. The 34-year-old artist, celebrated for his socially conscious music and roles in Nollywood, declared his love for plantain and boiled yam with fried eggs while dismissing semo as unfit to be considered food, prompting mixed reactions from fans and food enthusiasts.

Falz emphasized plantain’s importance in his diet, stating, “Not liking plantain is serious grounds for break up,” suggesting that a distaste for the staple could be a dealbreaker in his romantic relationships. In a separate post, he revealed his ultimate meal: “One meal I can eat everyday for the rest of my life – boiled yam and fried eggs,” highlighting the dish’s significance in Nigerian cuisine, often praised for its filling and nutritious qualities, as noted in food blogs like Nkechi Ajaeroh. These foods resonate with Nigeria’s culinary culture, where plantain, rich in vitamins A and C, and yam, a high-energy root vegetable, are street food and breakfast staples.

His most polarizing comment targeted semo, a popular swallow made from processed maize or wheat, often paired with soups like egusi or okra. “I wouldn’t advise eating semo in the morning…or any time of the day in fact. It shouldn’t be food,” Falz wrote, sparking a wave of reactions on X. Posts like @AdebolaMumeenat’s agreed, calling semo a mere “snack” that leaves one hungry soon after, while @Bookunming defended it, accusing Falz of lacking taste. The debate, amplified by outlets like YabaLeftOnline and Instablog9ja, reflects semo’s polarizing status, with critics citing its high calorie content (100g contains ~350 calories) and quick digestion, as noted in FitFaysal.

Falz’s comments, reported by Daily Post and CreebHills, align with his playful yet outspoken persona, seen in his music and activism, including his 2023 track “Yakubu” critiquing electoral flaws. The food discourse underscores Nigeria’s vibrant culinary culture, where dishes like boiled yam with fried eggs (378–800 calories per serving) are cherished for their energy and affordability. While Falz’s semo stance stirred controversy, his love for plantain and yam reflects a shared cultural affinity, with Dinesurf naming beans and plantain among Nigeria’s top food combos. As the conversation continues, Falz’s culinary preferences have not only revealed his tastes but also sparked a broader dialogue about Nigeria’s beloved staples.