Award-winning rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has opened up about why he no longer actively represents clients in court, saying the demands of his flourishing music career eventually made it difficult to combine both professions.
Although trained and qualified as a lawyer, the entertainer said balancing legal practice with his fast-rising career in the entertainment industry became increasingly challenging as his popularity grew.
Falz, 35, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after earning a law degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and completing his professional training at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.
While pursuing his legal career, he also ventured into music, gaining widespread recognition in 2011 with the release of his breakout single, Wahz Up Guy. The song marked the beginning of a successful journey that has since established him as one of Nigeria's leading entertainers.
Speaking during an episode of the Behind the Scenes podcast, Falz said he initially believed it was possible to successfully combine both careers. However, he admitted that keeping up with the demands of the courtroom and the music industry eventually proved difficult.
The rapper recalled a memorable experience during one of his appearances in court, where he was asked to announce his appearance before the judge. According to him, the judge's reaction after recognising him highlighted how widely known he had become as a musician.
Falz explained that the moment made him realise the extent to which his music career had overshadowed his legal identity and how that growing fame could influence his work as a legal practitioner.
Despite stepping away from active courtroom practice, Falz has continued to use his legal background to speak on issues relating to governance, human rights and social justice, often lending his voice to national conversations beyond the entertainment industry.