(Falz. Photo by Vanguard News)
Nigerian musician Folarin Falana, often known as Falz, has spoken out about his decision to cease actively representing clients in court, stating that the demands of his increasing music career made it difficult to combine both professions.
The 35-year-old entertainer studied law at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom before finishing his education at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. In 2012, he was called to the Nigerian Bar.
Falz rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene in 2011 with the release of his debut track, ‘Wahz Up Guy’, before establishing himself as a rapper, actor, and entertainer.
Falz stated on a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast that while it is feasible to combine law and music, sustaining an active legal profession while pursuing music has become increasingly challenging.
Falz also described an encounter with a judge that made him recognize how his rising public image would impair his profession as a lawyer.
According to the rapper, he had advertised his attendance in court when the judge recognized him for his actions outside of the legal field.
“One day in court, I announced my appearance. And the judge asked, “Are you not the one doing something on the side?” Falz cited the judge as stating.
He added that, at the time, some lawyers knew him as the son of famed lawyer Femi Falana, while others were unaware.
“He said it in coded language. At this point, I was known as Femi Falana’s son. Some lawyers in court recognized me, but others did not.
Falz stated that he acknowledged the judge’s query before being allowed to continue with the proceedings.
“Imagine I’m starting to gain acclaim and I show up in court; it would be chaos. It would disrupt everything.
A client may decline my services because they believe I will be too preoccupied. It would’ve been difficult for me. “My face is very much out there,” he explained.