Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has revealed why he stepped away from active legal practice, saying the demands of his growing music career made it difficult to balance both professions.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, the entertainer said that although it was possible to combine law and music initially, maintaining both careers became increasingly challenging as his popularity soared.

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, recalled a courtroom experience that made him realise his fame could become a distraction.

According to him, a judge once recognised him during a court session and asked if he was the person “doing something on the side,” referring to his activities in the entertainment industry.

He explained that while some lawyers knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, others had begun identifying him through his music career.

The rapper said the incident made him realise that his growing public profile could affect clients’ confidence and distract from court proceedings.

Falz added that appearing in court as a highly recognisable celebrity would have made it difficult for clients to believe he could give their cases the full attention they deserved.

The award-winning entertainer first gained widespread recognition in 2011 with the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and has since become one of Nigeria’s leading music and film stars.
:::writing