Why Falz Abandoned Legal Practice: ‘It Would Have Been Chaos’
Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has opened up about why he stopped representing clients in court, stating that the demands of his music career made it unsustainable. In a candid interview on the ‘Behind The Story’ podcast, the entertainer revealed that balancing litigation with an active music career became increasingly difficult, ultimately leading him to prioritize entertainment over legal practice.
Background: From Law School to the Stage
Falz, who studied law and was called to the Nigerian Bar after graduating from the Nigerian Law School, first gained musical prominence in 2011 with his debut single ‘Wahz Up Guy’. Despite his legal credentials, his passion for music and performance soon took center stage, creating a conflict between two demanding professions.
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The Balancing Act: Why Litigation Became Unsustainable
During the podcast, Falz detailed the challenges he faced in trying to maintain a legal career while his music career was flourishing. He explained that being an active performer consumed much of his time and energy, making it nearly impossible to commit fully to litigation. ‘It is balanceable. But for me, I was an active performer and the music was taking up so much. I thought it would be incredibly difficult. I was doing litigation. I was going to court. I was working with my dad at the time. I would represent clients,’ he said.
The Courtroom Moment That Changed Everything
Falz also recalled a specific incident in court that highlighted the growing tension between his dual identities. He described a day when he announced his appearance, and the judge recognized him. ‘Are you not the one doing something on the side?’ the judge asked, albeit codedly. At that time, people had already begun to know him as Femi Falana’s son, adding to the public scrutiny he faced.
Reflecting on that moment, Falz imagined what life would be like if his fame continued to grow while he still appeared in court. ‘Imagine I am now starting to get more acclaim and I pull up in court, it would be chaos. It would distract everything. A client could say they do not want me, thinking I would be busy with other things. It would have been tough for me. My face is very much out there,’ he added.
A Deliberate Career Shift
Falz’s decision to focus on entertainment over legal practice was a deliberate one, shaped by the practical realities of pursuing both paths simultaneously. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by multi-talented individuals who must choose between professional commitments, and his candid remarks offer insight into the sacrifices required to excel in a demanding creative industry.