Why I Quit Legal Practice for Music — Falz

Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has revealed that he stepped away from active legal practice because the demands of his growing music career made it difficult to continue representing clients in court. The entertainer said balancing both professions became increasingly impractical as his popularity soared.

Speaking on the Behind The Story podcast, Falz explained that he was actively involved in litigation after being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012, working alongside his father, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN). He said although it was possible to combine law and music initially, his expanding career in entertainment gradually took over his schedule.

The award-winning artiste recalled a courtroom encounter that made him realise the challenges of practising law as a public figure. According to him, a judge recognised him during a court session and subtly referred to his activities outside the legal profession, an experience that highlighted how his growing fame could become a distraction during legal proceedings.

Falz said he eventually concluded that remaining in active legal practice could affect both his clients and the administration of justice, noting that his public profile would attract unnecessary attention in court. He added that some clients might also doubt his ability to give their cases adequate attention because of his commitments in the entertainment industry.

Despite leaving courtroom practice, Falz said his legal education remains valuable and continues to shape his thinking and advocacy on social and political issues. He maintained that while he no longer practises law, he has no regrets about choosing music, describing it as the career path that allowed him to make a broader impact.