Halle – Braveface

The word is written as one, which gives it a modern, texting feel. A brave face is what you put on at a funeral, at work after bad news, or at a family gathering where everyone is asking how you are doing. You say you are fine and keep your voice steady, while something else is going on underneath.

Nigerians know this performance well. We have a whole culture of saying we are managing, of telling people that things are not too bad when the week has been terrible. It comes from pride, from not wanting to burden others, and sometimes from simple tiredness with explaining ourselves. A title that names it is easy to connect with.

The record sits on love?… or something like it (Deluxe), and it makes sense in a project that questions what love really looks like. Sometimes the bravest face is worn by the one who is hurting most in a relationship but refuses to show it.

It suits a morning when you dress well, step outside and decide that nobody needs to know how the night went.

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