Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has revealed why he stepped away from active legal practice, explaining that the increasing demands of his entertainment career made it difficult to continue practising law.
Falz, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after studying law at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and completing his training at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, said combining both careers became increasingly challenging as his popularity grew.
The entertainer made the revelation during a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, where he discussed the difficulties of maintaining an active legal career while pursuing success in the music industry.
The Falz quits legal practice decision, according to the rapper, was not because practising law was impossible alongside music but because managing the responsibilities of both professions became increasingly demanding.
Falz recalled an experience in court that made him realise his growing public profile could affect his legal career.
He explained that during one court appearance, a judge recognised him for his activities outside the courtroom 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?’” Falz said.
The rapper noted that while some legal practitioners already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, others had begun identifying him because of his rising profile in entertainment.
According to Falz, becoming more popular could create distractions during legal proceedings and potentially affect how clients viewed his commitment 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,” he said.
The Falz quits legal practice story highlights the entertainer’s transition from law into music, where he has built a successful career as a rapper, actor, and social commentator.
Falz gained widespread recognition in 2011 following the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and has since become one of Nigeria’s prominent entertainers.
BACKSTORY:
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, actor, and entertainer who initially trained and worked in the legal profession before becoming one of the country’s most recognised music stars.
Falz studied Law at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and later attended the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012. He comes from a legal background, being the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN.
Before achieving mainstream success in music, Falz had an interest in both law and entertainment. He began gaining attention in the Nigerian music scene in 2011 with his single “Wahz Up Guy”, later building a successful career through his unique rap style, social commentary, and hit songs.
Although he was qualified to practise law, Falz gradually moved away from active legal practice as his music career expanded. His growing popularity, performances, recording commitments, and public engagements made it increasingly difficult to maintain the demands of courtroom work alongside entertainment.
The rapper has previously spoken about using his platform to address social issues, blending humour, music, and activism in his work. Over the years, he has also expanded into acting, featuring in several Nollywood productions.
His decision to leave legal practice reflects the career transition of many professionals who choose to focus on creative industries after discovering greater opportunities in their passion and public careers.
