Folarin Falana

Early Life and Background

Folarin Falana, professionally known as Falz, was born on October 27, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the son of two highly prominent Nigerian legal practitioners and human rights activists: Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Funmi Falana, a lawyer and women's rights advocate. Growing up in a household deeply committed to justice, human rights, and social advocacy profoundly shaped Falz's worldview and future endeavors. From an early age, he was exposed to discussions about governance, societal ills, and the importance of using one's voice for the voiceless. This environment cultivated in him a keen sense of observation and a desire to contribute positively to his society, influences that would later become hallmarks of his artistic expression. His early education began at St. Leo's Catholic Primary School in Lagos, after which he proceeded to Olashore International School in Osun State for his secondary education. It was during his secondary school years that Falz's interest in music began to blossom, leading him to form a musical group named 'The School Boys' with a friend, laying the foundational stones for his eventual career in entertainment.

Education

Despite his burgeoning passion for music, Falz pursued a rigorous academic path, particularly in law, following in the footsteps of his distinguished parents. After completing his secondary education in Nigeria, he relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. He enrolled at the University of Reading, where he successfully earned an LLB degree in Law, graduating in 2010. Upon his return to Nigeria, Falz continued his legal studies at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. His dedication to his legal education culminated in his being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012, officially qualifying him as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This dual qualification—a lawyer by profession and an artist by calling—has endowed Falz with a unique perspective, allowing him to infuse his artistic works with incisive social commentary and a deep understanding of legal and political frameworks, distinguishing him significantly from many of his peers in the entertainment industry.

Career

Falz's professional music career officially commenced in 2009, even while he was still pursuing his law degree. He released his first single, "Shakara," that same year, marking his entry into the Nigerian music scene. After being called to the bar in 2012, he made the pivotal decision to fully immerse himself in his musical career, a choice that proved to be immensely successful. In 2011, Falz released a mixtape titled "Shakara: The Mixtape," which helped to build his underground following. He gained wider recognition with songs like "High Class" and "Currency." In 2014, he released his debut studio album, "Wazup Guy," which showcased his distinctive blend of hip-hop, Afrobeat, and a unique comedic rap style often characterized by a 'bahd guy' persona and a peculiar accent. This album was followed by "Stories That Touch" in 2015, which featured hit singles such as "Karashika" and "Soldier" (featuring Simi), solidifying his commercial success and critical acclaim. The album was praised for its storytelling and social relevance.

His career further ascended with the release of his third studio album, "27," in 2017, which coincided with his 27th birthday. This album featured collaborations with major Nigerian artists and continued to explore diverse themes. However, it was his 2018 single "This Is Nigeria," a powerful cover of Childish Gambino's "This Is America," that catapulted him into national and international prominence as a social commentator. The song and its viral music video graphically depicted various societal ills in Nigeria, including corruption, police brutality, and insecurity, sparking widespread discussion and debate. This was followed by his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, "Moral Instruction," released in 2019. This album, heavily influenced by Fela Kuti's Afrobeat style, was a concentrated effort to use music as a tool for social consciousness, addressing topics like political corruption, sexual exploitation, and religious hypocrisy. Falz is also the founder and CEO of his independent record label, Bahd Guys Records. Beyond music, Falz has established a highly successful acting career. He made his acting debut in the popular television series "Tinsel" and later gained significant recognition for his role as Segun in Funke Akindele's popular series "Jenifa's Diary," for which he won an Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award. He has since starred in numerous Nollywood films, including "Couple of Days," "10 Days in Suncity," "New Money," "Chief Daddy," and "Your Excellency," demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer. Falz was also a prominent voice and participant during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, actively using his platform to advocate for police reform and good governance in Nigeria.

Major Achievements

Falz's career is marked by a string of significant achievements across both music and acting, underscoring his diverse talents and profound impact. In music, he has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including several Headies Awards, Nigeria's most coveted music awards. These include 'Best Street-Hop Artiste' (2015), 'Best Rap Album' for "Stories That Touch" (2016), 'Album of the Year' for "Stories That Touch" (2016), 'Best Rap Single' for "Talk" (2019), and 'Best Collaboration' for "Bad Baddo Baddest" (2016). His album "Moral Instruction" (2019) received widespread critical acclaim for its bold social commentary and artistic depth. In the acting sphere, Falz achieved a significant milestone by winning the 'Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/TV Series' at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for his role as Segun in "Jenifa's Diary." This made him one of the few Nigerian artists to achieve major recognition in both music and film. His song "This Is Nigeria" (2018) became a cultural phenomenon, generating millions of views and sparking national dialogue on pressing social issues. Falz is celebrated for his unique ability to blend humor, satire, and serious social critique, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience. He has successfully built a brand around his intelligent lyricism, distinct persona, and commitment to using his platform for positive change, thereby cementing his legacy as an influential voice in contemporary African culture.

Personal Life

Folarin Falana maintains a relatively private personal life, especially concerning his romantic relationships. Despite his public persona and celebrity status, he has largely kept details about his dating life and marital status out of the public domain. He is not publicly known to be married or to have children. Falz is the son of Barrister Femi Falana (SAN) and Barrister Funmi Falana, both highly respected human rights lawyers and activists in Nigeria. His family background has been a significant influence on his values and his commitment to social justice. Falz is known for his distinctive vocal delivery, often referred to as the 'Falz accent' or 'Falz The Bahd Guy' persona, which incorporates a blend of Nigerian Pidgin English, Yoruba, and a unique, often comedic, intonation. This persona is an integral part of his artistic identity and has contributed to his widespread appeal. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria, where he continues to work on his music and acting projects, while also engaging in social advocacy.

Legacy

Falz's legacy is multifaceted, firmly establishing him as one of Nigeria's most significant and impactful contemporary artists. He is celebrated for pioneering the effective fusion of entertainment with potent social commentary, using his music as a powerful tool for advocacy and critical discourse on governance, corruption, and societal norms. His album "Moral Instruction" and the viral hit "This Is Nigeria" stand as testaments to his commitment to speaking truth to power, inspiring a generation of Nigerians to question, demand accountability, and engage in civic action. Beyond his musical prowess, Falz has carved out a successful acting career, demonstrating his versatility and expanding his influence across different creative industries. His AMVCA win for acting highlights his exceptional talent beyond music. As the founder of Bahd Guys Records, he has also contributed to the independent music scene. Falz's ability to maintain a strong artistic identity while navigating sensitive social and political landscapes, often challenging powerful institutions, positions him as a courageous and authentic voice. He has shown that artists can be both commercially successful and deeply impactful on a societal level, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian popular culture and the broader African consciousness as an entertainer, an activist, and a thought leader.