Why I quit legal practice for music – Musician, Falz

Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, has explained why he stepped away from active legal practice, citing the growing demands of his music career.

Falz, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after studying law at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, said balancing law and entertainment became increasingly challenging as his fame grew.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, the 35-year-old entertainer noted that while combining both professions was possible, sustaining an active legal career alongside a successful music career proved difficult.

The rapper recalled a courtroom experience that highlighted the challenges of practising law while becoming a public figure. According to him, a judge once recognized him for his activities outside the legal profession during a court appearance.

“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 recounted.

He explained that at the time, some lawyers already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, while others were beginning to recognize him through his growing presence in the entertainment industry.

Falz said the incident made him realize that his increasing popularity could become a distraction in legal proceedings and potentially affect clients’ confidence in his ability to focus on their cases.

“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.

Recall that Falz first gained widespread attention in the music industry in 2011 with the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and has since established himself as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainers.