Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has explained the reason behind his decision to quit being an active lawyer.

The entertainer, who studied law and was called to the Nigerian Bar, said the demands of his music career made it unfeasible to continue practising.

Speaking on the ‘Behind The Story’ podcast, Falz explained that balancing litigation with an active music career became increasingly difficult. He recalled a moment in court when a judge recognised him and asked if he was the one doing something on the side. .

Falz also noted that as his music career grew, his presence in court could have caused distractions. He also expressed concern that clients might not want him to represent them, thinking he would be too busy with other commitments.

He said:
“It is balanceable. But for me, I was an active performer and the music was taking up so much. I thought it would be incredibly difficult. I was doing litigation. I was going to court. I was working with my dad at the time. I would represent clients.”

“There was a day in court, I announced my appearance. And the judge said: ‘Are you not the one doing something on the side?’ He said it codedly. At this time, people had started to know me as Femi Falana’s son.”

“Imagine I am now starting to get more acclaim and I pull up in court, it would be chaos. It would distract everything. A client could say they do not want me, thinking I would be busy with other things. It would have been tough for me. My face is very much out there.”