Nigerian singer, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has revealed that he wasn’t pressured to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a lawyer, despite his father’s towering success in the legal profession. Speaking in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Falz shared how his decision to study law was influenced more by admiration than familial expectations.
Falz, whose father, Femi Falana, is a renowned human rights lawyer in Nigeria, explained that growing up, he was constantly exposed to stories of his father’s work. Many people his father had fought for would share their experiences with the young Falz, leaving a deep impression on him.
“I wouldn’t say it was pressure,” Falz clarified, reflecting on his early years. “When I was young and I mentioned my name, people would say, ‘Which Falana? Is it Femi Falana? Wow.’ Everyone had a story about how my dad came to their aid, how he fought for them. At that point, I wasn’t pressured; I aspired to emulate what my father was doing.”
While the admiration for his father’s work played a significant role, Falz emphasized that his decision to study law was ultimately his own. He pursued a legal education and practiced for almost two years before transitioning fully into music.
“I did practice law for almost two years, but by 2014, things started to pick up for me musically,” Falz explained. “I began moving out of legal practice as I found success in my music career, and I’ve been focused on that ever since.”
Since leaving law, Falz has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainers, known for his socially conscious music, acting, and activism. Despite no longer practicing law, his background in the legal profession has had a profound impact on his music and activism, where he often addresses issues of social justice and governance.
Falz’s journey reflects a delicate balance between following his own passion while respecting the legacy of his father. His story is an inspiring reminder that the path to success is often shaped by personal choices, even when following in the footsteps of giants.
