Why I Quit Legal Practice For Music – Falz

Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has explained why he stopped practising law, saying the demands of his music career made it difficult to combine both professions.

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, said balancing law with entertainment became increasingly challenging as his popularity grew.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Behind The Story podcast, the 35-year-old said it was possible to combine both careers, but maintaining an active legal practice while pursuing music was not easy.

Falz recalled an experience in court that made him realise how his growing fame could affect his legal career.

He said:

“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?’”

According to the rapper, some lawyers already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, while others had begun recognising him because of his success in the entertainment industry.

Falz said the experience made him realise that his public image could become a distraction during court proceedings and affect clients’ confidence in his ability to focus on their cases.

He said:

“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.”

Falz first gained widespread recognition in the music industry in 2011 with the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and has since become one of Nigeria’s leading entertainers.