Falz is a talented Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor with a difference. The son of a respected Nigerian legal luminary and human rights activist has successfully combined his stage artistry with Law and activism. In spite of appearing to have followed in the footsteps of his father, he chose to flourish better in his passions – music and acting.
Falz’s songs are a fusion of hip-hop, rap, and Afro-pop with a comic edge; a blend which he describes as ‘Wahzup music’. He and has a mighty fan base on Nigeria’s social media, who adore his rap, acting and comedy skills. He is a genius in the performing arts. We will be highlighting the life of famous Nigerian rapper Falz, his influence, and his music and drama career so far in this article.
Who is Falz: His Origins
Folarin Fálànà (a.k.a. Falz The Bahd Guy or simply Falz), is an indigene of Ondo state in southwest Nigeria. He was born in October 1990 in Mushin-Lagos. He is the son of respected Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN. In fact, both his parents are lawyers. He has two female siblings – an elder sister, and another younger sister.
With such a background, it was natural to expect him to also study Law – which he did. He graduated from the University of Reading. But multi-talented Falz was also skilled in football and music. He has also demonstrated impressive acting skills, with a strong comedy angle. Ultimately, his love for the performing arts took him further away from both football and Law, to concentrate on music (and eventually acting).
Falz found a musical group called ‘The School Boys’ in secondary school. He was able to develop his musical skills from that point henceforth.
Falz’s Musical Career
Falz began his musical journey in 2009. His first well-known song was titled ‘Marry Me’ (featuring Nigerian music artists, Poe and Yemi Alade).
In 2014, the rapper released his first studio album titled Wazup Guy. It was followed by his second album, Stories That Touch, in 2015. His third and fourth studio abums were titled 27 (released in 2017) and Moral Instruction (released in 2019).
He released the music video of his controversial song ‘This is Nigeria‘ in 2018 – a song inspired by American singer, Childish Gambino‘s song ‘This is America’. Falz voiced out on the endemic corruption, insecurity and abuses in Nigeria, in the song ‘This is Nigeria’.
But a few months later, the song was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) with the claim that it was a vulgar song. Falz responded to this claim, stating that it was clear for all to see that there was nothing vulgar in the video. He subsequently sued the NBC to the tune of 100 million Naira.
The rapper has released exciting hit singles which include ‘Bop Daddy’, ‘Wehdone Sir’, ‘Bhad Baddo Baddest’, ‘Soft Work’, and ‘Something Light’.
And in 2022, Falz released the single ‘Ice Cream’ (featuring singer Buju). He went as far as renting a van with a ticketing booth labeled with ‘Falz Ice Cream’ to promote the song. Falz went around Lagos with his van to share free ice cream to people, in a show of love.
Falz currently owns his own record label namely Bahd Guy Records. He has also done music collaborations with many popular Nigerian music artists. They include the likes of Simi, Olamide, Davido, Terry Apala, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry,Ycee, and Sir Dauda.
Falz: His Acting Career Debuts
Falz began his acting career in 2015 when he began to retire regularly in Funke Akindele’s TV series Jenifa’s Diary. Between 2015 and now, Falz has featured in many popular Nollywood movies, TV dramas and series. They include Tinsel (2016), 10 Days in Sun City (2017), Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018), Chief Daddy (2018), Merry Men 2 (2019), Your Excellency (2019), Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2021), and Brotherhood (2022).
Falz is reputed to have won the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards twice – the first Nigerian music artist to have ever done so. One of them was for Best Supporting Actor at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Falz equally set up a film production company named House21TV in August 2020. He was able to undertake his first project – a YouTube comedy series titled ‘Therapy’ soon after.
Falz and His Activism
Falz’s powerful streak for human rights activism is very clear (much like his father). In fact, many of his songs resonate with themes on social justice. He unapologetically raps about the ills of governance and the Nigerian society. One of his songs, ‘This is Nigeria’ is one such proof. It sparked both controversy and praise from fellow Nigerians when it was released.
He also actively supported the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality and corruption in Lekki-Lagos. He also called for active participation of youths in Nigerian politics, especially in the months approaching the 2023 presidential elections. He did not hesitate to condemn acts of electoral malpractice during that period as well.
Falz’s Net Worth
Falz’s artistry in music, acting, performances and shows, as well as music and movie production is enviable. His estimated net worth is around 5 million US Dollars (as of 2024).
Falz: Music Awards
The famous rapper has won the following music awards to date:
- 2019 Headies: Best Rap Single ‘Talk’; Best Rap Album (Moral Instruction); and Album of the Year
- 2020 Headies: Best Rap Single ‘Bop Daddy’
Falz’s Personal Life
Falz is known for keeping his private life away from prying eyes as much as possible. Nor does he willingly discuss it. However, he is still single.
