Falz opens up on challenge of juggling music and law

Falz, the Nigerian rapper, has revealed that he led a double life while practicing law. 

In an episode of the Madam Joyce podcast, Falz disclosed that he was once a lawyer by day and a rapper by night.

Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana, explained that it was not easy balancing his two careers.

He revealed that there was an “unspoken rule” within the legal profession that prohibited lawyers from engaging in other activities while practicing law.

Falz shared a memorable experience in court where his double life was almost exposed.

He recalled announcing his appearance in court as “Folarin the Falana, appearing for the plaintiff.” He said the judge, however, seemed to be aware of his music career and asked if he was not the one “doing something else on the side”.

“There was one time I was in court, I was living a double life at the time as well. Lawyer by day, rapper by night. So I announced my appearance ‘With profound respect my lord, the name is Folarin the Falana, appearing for the plaintiff’,” he said.

“And the judge just lowered his glasses and was like ‘counsel, are you not the one doing something else on the side?’. There is an unspoken rule of professional conduct within the legal profession where you are not supposed to do other things while in practise.”

Falz, who rose to fame in 2009, is renowned for using his music to address societal issues and bad governance. Some of his popular tracks include ‘Wehdone Sir’, ‘Child of the World’, and ‘Talk’.

His impressive career has earned him multiple awards, including ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards.

He also holds an LLB in Law from the University of Reading, England.

Aside from his music career, Falz has also made a mark in Nollywood. He made his movie debut in ‘Couple of Days’ (2016).