Biography of Folarin Falana (Falz), fame, activism, controversies

In this article, News360 Nigeria chronicles the biography, career achievements of popular Nigerian musician, Folarin Falana.

Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers, seamlessly blending music, acting, and activism.

He gained prominence after releasing the hit song “Marry Me” featuring Poe and Yemi Alade.

Over the years, Falz has grown to become an influential voice in Nigerian pop culture, balancing humor, music, and a sense of social justice in a way that resonates with the Nigerian youth.

Profile summary

Name: Folarin Falana

Stage name: Falz

Date of birth: 27th October, 1990

Education: University of Reading

Relationship status: Single

Career: Musician

Background

Born on October 27, 1990, to renowned lawyer and human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) and Funmi Falana, a women’s rights activist, Falz’s upbringing in an activist household laid the foundation for his socially conscious approach to his artistry.

Falz was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School in Ikeja and Olashore International School in Osun State before moving to the UK to study Law at the University of Reading.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated with an LLB degree in Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.

Though trained as a lawyer, Falz’s passion for music and entertainment was evident early on.

His comedic persona and knack for storytelling started in secondary school when he formed a group called “The School Boys.” It wasn’t long before his natural talents transitioned into a professional music career.

Music career

Falz burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2011 with his debut single “Waz Up Guy,” followed by his debut album Wazup Guy in 2014.

However, it was his second album, Stories That Touch (2015), that solidified his status as a music icon. The album featured hit singles like “Karishika,” “Soldier,” and “Ello Bae,” showcasing Falz’s unique blend of witty lyrics, socially conscious messages, and comedic elements.

His distinctive style, often switching between fluent English and Nigerian Pidgin, is characterized by humor and sharp social commentary.

He frequently portrays fictional characters in his music videos, earning him a reputation as both a skilled lyricist and a talented actor.

In 2018, Falz gained international recognition with the release of the controversial single “This is Nigeria,” a Nigerian adaptation of Childish Gambino’s “This is America.”

The song addressed critical social issues like corruption, police brutality, and the decline in educational standards, further solidifying his position as a socially conscious artist.

Acting and comedy

Aside from his music, Falz has a burgeoning acting career. He has featured in several Nollywood productions, including the critically acclaimed series Jenifa’s Diary, where his role as Segun earned him wide recognition and an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA).

His role in the film New Money and Chief Daddy in 2018 also demonstrated his acting prowess, earning him several accolades.

Falz’s comedic side also shines in his music and social media presence. His alter ego, “Brother Taju,” a humorous character with exaggerated Yoruba accents, has endeared him to fans across Nigeria. This comedic brilliance adds a unique dimension to his brand as a multifaceted entertainer.

Social activism

While Falz is celebrated for his music and acting, his voice in social activism is perhaps his most significant contribution to Nigerian society.

He has consistently used his platform to highlight societal issues, notably with the ‘This is Nigeria’ video, which stirred national conversations around pressing issues like fraud, police harassment, and religious extremism.

Falz was one of the prominent voices during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where Nigerian youths protested against police brutality and the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He was vocal in his condemnation of the Nigerian government’s response to the protests and has since continued to push for reforms, especially in governance and human rights.

His activism goes beyond music and social media. In 2022, he teamed up with singer 2Baba (2Face Idibia) to release “Rise Up,” a song urging Nigerians to take an active role in improving their country.

Falz remains a prominent figure in advocating for better governance, accountability, and youth involvement in politics.

Personal life

Despite his fame and wealth, Falz has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life.

He remains single and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, choosing instead to focus on his career and social activism.

Controversies

Falz has been involved in a few controversies, mainly stemming from his social activism and outspoken nature. His 2018 single “This is Nigeria” drew criticism from both government bodies and religious groups. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemned the portrayal of women dressed in hijabs dancing in the video, describing it as offensive.

The group demanded a public apology, threatening legal action. Falz, however, refused to back down, defending the video as a form of artistic expression aimed at highlighting the issues plaguing Nigeria.

His stance on certain socio-political issues has also sparked debates online. Falz’s firm opposition to Internet fraud (popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’) in Nigeria, especially in his song “Talk,” earned him both praise and backlash.

He openly criticized artists who glorify fraudsters, which some interpreted as taking jabs at artists like Naira Marley, who has been linked to controversies regarding internet fraud.

Additionally, Falz’s decision to remain independent and avoid the typical “Afrobeat superstar” lifestyle has earned him criticism from industry insiders. While some appreciate his boldness in staying true to his message, others believe he could achieve greater commercial success if he were more conventional in his approach.

In September 2024, a new controversy arose involving popular Nigerian entertainer Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, and his renowned father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).

The controversy was sparked by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as Verydarkman, who made bold claims that linked Falz and his father to a conversation regarding legal intervention and financial assistance for Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

Verydarkman, known for stirring online discussions with his controversial posts, insinuated that Falz and his father were involved in helping Bobrisky seek a presidential pardon over legal troubles related to charges of Naira abuse.

According to a social media post made by Verydarkman, Bobrisky had reached out to Falz for legal advice and financial support amid these troubles.

The influencer alleged that Bobrisky had specifically requested N3 million from Falz to pay correctional center officials in exchange for VIP treatment during his detention.

This allegation quickly went viral, fueling speculation and debate across social media platforms.

As the allegations spread, Falz took to his social media platforms to address the issue, vehemently denying the claims.

Awards and recognition

Falz’s contribution to entertainment and activism has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

He won the Best Actor in a Comedy at the AMVCA for Jenifa’s Diary and has received multiple nominations for his music.

His Moral Instruction album, which tackled issues such as corruption and moral decay in society, won Best Rap Album at The Headies in 2019.

In 2020, Falz was named one of Time Magazine’s “Next Generation Leaders” for his role in the #EndSARS protests and his commitment to using his platform for positive change in Nigeria.

Net worth

Falz has an estimated net worth of about $5 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his diverse career as a musician, actor, and brand ambassador.

Falz’s success in the Nigerian entertainment industry, combined with lucrative endorsement deals, live performances, and film appearances, has significantly contributed to his financial standing.