Falz Explains Why He Left Legal Practice: ‘My Music Career Became Impossible to Ignore’
Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Falz, has opened up about the reason he stepped away from active legal practice, revealing that the rapid growth of his music career made it increasingly difficult to balance both professions.
Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana, 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. Despite qualifying as a lawyer, he admitted that sustaining a legal career alongside his flourishing entertainment career eventually became impractical.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, the 35-year-old entertainer explained that while it was initially possible to combine both careers, his rising popularity soon began to affect his courtroom experience.
He recalled a memorable moment when a judge recognised him during a court session.
“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 noted that many legal practitioners already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, while others had started identifying him through his music and public appearances.
According to him, that experience made him realise his celebrity status could become a distraction in court and even raise concerns among clients about whether he could devote enough attention to their legal matters.
“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 gained mainstream recognition in 2011 with the release of his debut single Wahz Up Guy and has since grown into one of Nigeria's most influential entertainers, earning acclaim as a rapper, actor and social commentator.
Opinion:
Falz's decision reflects a reality many professionals face—sometimes success in one field demands sacrifices in another. Rather than trying to do everything at once, he chose the career where he could make the greatest impact.
His legal education, however, has clearly not gone to waste. It continues to shape his activism, public commentary and advocacy on social issues, giving his voice credibility beyond entertainment. While Nigeria may have lost an active courtroom lawyer, it gained an artist who has consistently used his platform to address governance, justice and youth empowerment.
Falz's journey also serves as a reminder that career paths are not always linear. Passion, opportunity and purpose often redefine success, and knowing when to make that difficult choice can be just as important as earning the qualifications in the first place.
