Falz Explains Why His Fame Made Practising Law Too Difficult

Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has opened up about why he stepped away from active legal practice as his music career continued to gain prominence.

Falz, 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 balancing both careers became increasingly difficult as his fame grew.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, the 35 year old entertainer explained that although it was possible to pursue law and music simultaneously, maintaining an active legal practice while managing a successful entertainment career became challenging.

He recalled an experience in court that made him more conscious of the growing attention surrounding his public identity.

“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 recounted.

According to the rapper, some members of the legal profession already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, while his growing success in music was also making him increasingly recognisable.

Falz said he eventually realised that his rising profile could become a distraction during court proceedings and potentially make clients question whether he could give their cases the attention they required.

“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 explained.

The rapper said his visibility had simply become too difficult to separate from his legal career.

“It would have been difficult because my face is already out there,” he added.

Falz began gaining widespread attention in the music industry in 2011 with the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and eventually established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent entertainers.