In a revealing interview that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s entertainment industry, acclaimed rapper and actor Falz has opened up about his transition from law to music, dispelling long-held assumptions about familial pressure and shedding light on the inspirations that shaped his unconventional career path. The artist, born Folarin Falana, spoke candidly with media personality Chude Jideonwo on the popular ‘With Chude’ podcast, offering fans and critics alike a rare glimpse into the personal motivations behind his professional choices.
Falz, known for his witty lyrics and social commentary, is the son of renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana. The elder Falana’s reputation as a fierce advocate for justice and equality has long cast a shadow over his children’s careers, leading many to speculate about the pressures faced by the younger Falana to follow in his father’s footsteps.
However, in a surprising twist, Falz revealed that his initial attraction to the legal profession was born not out of obligation, but admiration. “I won’t say it was pressure,” Falz explained, “but when I was super young, it was like, ‘These people have to be something’ because I was already getting that reaction everywhere I went.”
The artist recounted how simply mentioning his name would elicit stories of his father’s legal prowess and compassion. “Everyone sort of had a story about how my dad came to their aid at some point in time and how he fought for them and was there for them,” Falz shared. “At that time it was me taking everything in, like, ‘this is something’. So at that point in time, I wasn’t pressured; I aspired to emulate what he was doing.”
True to his word, Falz did indeed pursue a legal education, eventually qualifying as a barrister. His foray into the legal world was brief but significant, spanning approximately two years. “I did practice law for a short period of time. Very short, almost two years,” he confirmed.
The rapper’s legal career began in earnest during his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in 2012, where he was posted to the Ministry of Justice. This experience provided Falz with a front-row seat to the inner workings of Nigeria’s legal system, further fueling his appreciation for the profession’s potential to effect change.
Following his youth service, Falz took the natural next step in his legal journey by joining his father’s firm in 2013. This move seemed to cement his path in the legal world, with many expecting the young Falana to eventually take up the mantle of his father’s celebrated practice.
However, fate had other plans for the budding lawyer. As Falz explained in the interview, “2014 was when things started to pick up for me so I started going out of practice.” This cryptic statement hints at the beginning of his musical career, which would soon eclipse his legal aspirations.
The transition from law to music was not a decision Falz made lightly. Having witnessed firsthand the impact his father had on countless lives through legal advocacy, the young Falana was acutely aware of the weight of his choice. Yet, the pull of artistic expression proved too strong to ignore.
Falz’s entry into the music industry was nothing short of revolutionary. Blending sharp wit, social commentary, and an unmistakable flow, he quickly carved out a niche for himself in Nigeria’s competitive music scene. His debut album, “Wazup Guy,” released in 2014, set the tone for a career that would seamlessly merge entertainment with social consciousness.
Over the years, Falz has become known for hits like “Soft Work,” “Bop Daddy,” and the controversial “This is Nigeria,” a scathing critique of the country’s sociopolitical landscape. His music often echoes the themes of justice and equality that his father championed in the courtroom, suggesting that while Falz may have left the legal profession, he never truly abandoned its principles.
Throughout the interview, Falz’s respect and admiration for his father shone through. The stories of Femi Falana’s impact on ordinary Nigerians clearly left an indelible mark on the young artist, shaping his worldview and influencing his approach to his craft.
“My father’s work showed me the power of standing up for what’s right,” Falz reflected. While I may not be fighting battles in court, I’m using my platform to address the same issues through my music and acting.
This sentiment is evident in much of Falz’s work, from his socially conscious lyrics to his choice of roles in films that tackle pressing societal issues. In many ways, Falz has become a cultural lawyer, using his art to advocate for change and justice in Nigerian society.
Falz’s revelations challenge the common narrative surrounding children of successful professionals in Nigeria. The assumption that these children are inevitably pressured into following their parents’ career paths is deeply ingrained in Nigerian society, where certain professions – law, medicine, engineering – are often seen as the only acceptable routes to success.
By sharing his story, Falz offers a nuanced perspective on familial influence and individual choice. His journey suggests that inspiration, rather than pressure, can be a powerful motivator in career decisions. It also highlights the importance of allowing young people the freedom to explore their passions, even when they diverge from familial traditions.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Falz’s career is how he has managed to merge his legal background with his artistic pursuits. His music often serves as a form of legal and social commentary, addressing issues of corruption, inequality, and injustice in Nigerian society.
This unique blend of entertainment and advocacy has earned Falz a reputation as more than just a musician. He is increasingly seen as a voice for his generation, using his platform to raise awareness about pressing social issues and inspire change.
As Falz continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, many are curious about what the future holds for this multifaceted entertainer. Will he ever return to the legal profession? Could there be a collaboration between father and son that merges law and art in unprecedented ways?
While these questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear: Falz’s journey from aspiring lawyer to influential musician is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. His story serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians who may be struggling to balance familial expectations with personal aspirations.
In the end, Falz’s narrative is not one of rebellion against his father’s legacy, but rather a reinterpretation of it. Through his music and public persona, he continues to fight for justice and equality, albeit on a different stage than the one his father chose.
As Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to gain global recognition, stories like Falz’s serve as powerful reminders of the diverse paths to success and influence. In challenging expectations and forging his own path, Falz has not only made a name for himself but has also expanded the very definition of what it means to carry on a family legacy.
