Award-winning Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has opened up about why he stepped away from active legal practice, saying his growing fame in the entertainment industry made it increasingly difficult to balance both careers.
The 35-year-old entertainer, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after studying law at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, said he initially believed he could successfully combine law with music. However, as his career in entertainment gained momentum, maintaining both professions became unrealistic.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, Falz explained that his popularity gradually began to influence his experience in the courtroom. He said one particular incident made him realise that his public profile could become a challenge while representing clients.
Recounting the experience, the rapper said a judge recognised him during a court session after he announced his appearance. “There was a day in court when I announced my appearance, and the judge asked, ‘Are you not the one doing something on the side?'” he recalled.
Falz noted that while many legal practitioners already knew him as the son of respected human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), more people were beginning to identify him because of his growing success in music. He said that level of recognition could easily shift attention away from legal proceedings.
According to the rapper, appearing regularly in court as a celebrity could also raise concerns among clients about whether he had enough time to dedicate to their cases. “Imagine becoming even more famous and showing up in court. It could create distractions and make some clients feel I would be too occupied with music and other engagements. It would have been difficult because my face is already out there,” he said.
Falz first broke into the Nigerian music scene in 2011 with his hit debut single “Wahz Up Guy”, which quickly established him as one of the country’s most promising artists. Over the years, he has built a successful career spanning music, film and social advocacy, becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainers.
Despite stepping away from courtroom practice, Falz has remained vocal on legal, political and social issues, often using his platform to advocate for justice, good governance and human rights.
