ABOUT FALZ

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The Lawyer Turned Rapper Who Is Making Waves in Nigeria is popularly known as “Falz”. Falz is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor who has carved a niche for himself in the music industry with his unique style of rap, which he calls ‘Wahzup Music’. He is also known for his humorous lyrics, funny Yoruba accent, and social commentary on various issues affecting Nigeria.

Falz is not just a musician, but also a lawyer, a human rights activist, and a television personality. He has won several awards and accolades for his music and acting career and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment scene. In this article, we will profile the life and career of Falz, from his early days as a law student to his rise to fame as a rapper and actor.

Early Life

Falz was born on October 27, 1990, in Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the only son of his parents, who are both lawyers and human rights activists. His father, Femi Falana, is a prominent lawyer and the former National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP). His mother, Funmi Falana, is a respected lawyer and the National Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), a non-governmental organization that fights for the rights of women and children.

Falz grew up in a loving and supportive family, where he was exposed to music, literature, and politics from a young age. He developed an interest in music as a hobby and formed a group with his friend called The School Boys, while in secondary school. He also started writing and recording songs as a hobby².

Education

Falz had his primary education at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Ikeja, and his secondary education at Olashore International School, Osun State. He was a brilliant and diligent student, who excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. He also participated in various competitions and events, such as debates, quizzes, and drama⁴.

Falz proceeded to the University of Reading, United Kingdom, where he obtained an LLB honors degree in Law. He was also an active student, who joined various clubs and societies, such as the Law Society, the Music Society, and the Afro-Caribbean Society. He also performed at some of the university events, such as the Afro-Caribbean Night and the Law Ball.

Falz then attended the Nigerian Law School in Abuja and was called to the bar in 2012. He practiced law for a while but soon realized that his passion was in music. He decided to pursue his music career, despite his parents’ initial objection. He later said that his parents eventually supported his decision, after seeing his dedication and talent.

Career

2009-2013: Beginning’s and Shakara: The Mixtape

Falz started his professional music career in 2009, after releasing a mixtape titled Shakara: The Mixtape, which contained some of his early recordings. He also created a comic alter ego, Falz the Bahd Guy, which he used to express his witty personality. He gained some popularity online, through his funny videos and skits on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

In 2011, he released his first single, “Wazup Guy”, which was well-received by the audience. He followed it up with another single, “Cool Parry”, featuring Saeon, in 2012. He also released a single, “High Class”, produced by Studio Magic, in 2013. He continued to build his fan base and reputation as a talented and versatile rapper, with his witty and catchy lyrics, and his fusion of different genres, such as hip hop, afrobeat, and old-school sound.

2014-2016: Wazup Guy, Stories That Touch, and Chemistry EP

In 2014, Falz released his debut studio album, Wazup Guy, which featured guest appearances from Olamide, Oyinkansola, Show Dem Camp, Phenom, and Yemi Alade. The album was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several hit singles, such as “Marry Me”, “Ello Bae”, “Toyin Tomato”, and “Currency”. The album also earned him several nominations and awards, such as the Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2015, and the Best New Act to Watch at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015.

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In 2015, Falz released his second studio album, Stories That Touch, which featured guest appearances from Simi, Reekado Banks, Reminisce, Phyno, Bez, M.I, and Sess. The album was also a success, and produced hit singles, such as “Soldier”, “Soft Work”, “Clap”, and “Celebrity Girlfriend”. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans and was praised for its lyrical content, production quality, and diversity of themes. The album also earned him more awards and recognition, such as the Best Rap Album and Viewer’s Choice at The Headies 2016, and the Best Male Artiste in West Africa at the All-Africa Music Awards 2016.

In 2016, Falz collaborated with Simi, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, to release a joint EP, titled Chemistry. The EP consisted of seven tracks, which showcased the chemistry and compatibility of the two artists. The EP was well received by the fans and critics and was regarded as one of the best musical projects of the year. The EP also won the Best Collabo Album/EP at the City People Entertainment Awards 2017.

2017-Present: 27 and Acting Career

In 2017, Falz released his third studio album, 27, which featured guest appearances from Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Sir Dauda, Ycee, Maleek Berry, and Terry Apala. The album was a surprise release, as it was not announced or promoted before its release. The album was released on October 27, 2017, which coincided with Falz’s 27th birthday. The album was also a success, and produced hit singles, such as “La Fête”, “Something Light”, “Way”, and “Bahd Baddo Baddest”. The album also earned him more awards and nominations, such as the Best Rap Single and Best Rap Album at The Headies 2018, and the Best African Act at the BET Awards 2019.

Apart from music, Falz also ventured into acting, and made his debut in the Nigerian television series, Jenifa’s Diary, in 2015. He played the role of Segun, a friend and love interest of the main character, Jenifa, played by Funke Akindele. He received positive reviews for his performance, and won the Best Actor in a Comedy Series/Movie at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2016. He also starred in other television series and movies, such as Tinsel, Industreet, Couple of Days, 10 Days in Sun City, New Money, Chief Daddy, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, and Bling Lagosians. He also created and produced his television series, Falz Experience: The Movie, in 2018, which was based on his live concert of the same name.

Artistry

Falz is known for his unique style of rap, which he calls ‘Wahzup Music’. He describes it as a fusion of comic lyrics, with a touch of local Nigerian languages, especially Yoruba, and a bit of pidgin English. He also incorporates elements of afrobeat, highlife, and old-school sound into his music. He cites Fela Kuti, Trybesmen, Eldee, and 2face Idibia as his musical influences.

Falz is also known for his humorous lyrics, which often address social issues, such as corruption, fraud, violence, poverty, and injustice in Nigeria. He uses satire, sarcasm, and irony to criticize and mock the ills of society, while also entertaining and educating his listeners. He also uses his music to advocate for positive change and reform in the country. Some of his songs that reflect his social commentary are “This is Nigeria”, “Child of the World”, “Talk”, and “Hypocrite”.

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Falz is also a versatile and talented rapper, who can switch between different genres and flows with ease. He can rap in English, Yoruba, pidgin, and French, and can also sing and harmonize. He is also a skilled songwriter and producer, who writes and produces most of his songs. He also plays several instruments, such as the piano, guitar, and drums.

EndSARS Protest

Falz was one of the prominent celebrities who participated in the EndSARS protest, a nationwide demonstration against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria, in October 2020. He joined thousands of Nigerian youths who took to the streets to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit of the Nigerian police force, accused of harassment, extortion, torture, and murder of innocent citizens. He also used his social media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support for the protest. He also donated money, food, and medical supplies to the protesters, and provided legal aid to those who were arrested or injured by the police.

Falz also condemned the Lekki massacre, a tragic incident that occurred on October 20, 2020, when the Nigerian army opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, killing and injuring several people. He called for justice and accountability for the victims and urged the international community to intervene and sanction the Nigerian government for the gross violation of human rights. He also released a song, titled “Johnny”, in memory of the victims of the massacre, and dedicated it to the EndSARS movement.

Personal Life

Falz is a private person, who does not like to disclose much about his personal life. He has not confirmed or denied any romantic relationship and has kept his fans guessing about his love life. He has, however, been linked to some of his female colleagues in the industry, such as Simi, Chidinma, and DJ Cuppy. He has also expressed his admiration for some female celebrities, such as Rihanna, Rita Dominic, and Toke Makinwa.

Falz is a devout Christian, who believes in God and attends church regularly. He has also stated that he does not drink alcohol, smoke, or do drugs. He is a faithful naijassador. He is a fitness enthusiast, who works out and plays football to keep fit. He is also a philanthropist, who supports various charitable causes and organizations, especially those that cater to children and youths.

Falz is a fun-loving and friendly person, who enjoys making people laugh and smile. He has a good sense of humor, and often cracks jokes and makes funny faces. He is also a fan of comic books, movies, and video games. He has a large and loyal fan base, who call themselves the Bahd Gang.

He often interacts with his fans on social media and appreciates their love and support. He has also won several awards and recognition for his music and acting career and has been named as one of the most influential and successful Nigerian entertainers of his generation.

Awards and Recognition

Falz has received many awards and recognition for his music and acting career, as well as his activism and social impact. Some of the awards and recognition he has received are:

  • Best Rap Album and Album of the Year for Wazup Guy at The Headies 2015¹

  • Best New Act to Watch at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015²

  • Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series for Jenifa’s Diary at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2016³

  • Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2016

  • Best Rap Album and Viewer’s Choice for Stories That Touch at The Headies 2016

  • Best Male Artiste in West Africa at the All-Africa Music Awards 2016

  • Best Collabo Album/EP for Chemistry with Simi at the City People Entertainment Awards 2017

  • Best Rap Single and Best Rap Album for 27 at The Headies 2018

  • Best African Act at the BET Awards 2019

  • Album of the Year and Revelation of the Year for Moral Instruction at The Headies 2019

  • Best Supporting Actor for Bling Lagosians at the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2019

  • Best Supporting Actor for Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2020

  • Best Rap Single for Bop Daddy at The Headies 2020

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Falz has also been named as one of the most influential and successful Nigerian entertainers of his generation by various media outlets and platforms, such as MTV Base, Pulse Nigeria, The Guardian, and Forbes Africa. He has also been featured on the cover of several magazines, such as Guardian Life, Tush Magazine, Bold Africa, and Genevieve Magazine. He has also been recognized for his social and political activism and has been awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Ekiti State Government in 2020, and the Revolutionary Artiste Award by the Movement of the People in 2021. He has also been listed as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians by Avance Media in 2020, and one of the 100 Most Inspiring Nigerians by Leading Ladies Africa in 2021.

Falz is undoubtedly a multi-talented and versatile entertainer, who has proven himself as a rapper, songwriter, actor, and activist. He has also shown his creativity, originality, and innovation in his music and acting projects. He has also used his platform and influence to speak out against injustice, oppression, and corruption in Nigeria, and to inspire and empower the youths to become positive agents of change in their society. Falz is a role model and a leader, who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond. He is a Bahd Guy with a good heart.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Falz is a multi-talented and versatile entertainer, who has proven himself as a rapper, songwriter, actor, and activist. He has also shown his creativity, originality, and innovation in his music and acting projects. He has also used his platform and influence to speak out against injustice, oppression, and corruption in Nigeria, and to inspire and empower the youths to become positive agents of change in their society.

Falz is a role model and a leader, who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond. He is a Bahd Guy with a good heart. This article has profiled the life and career of Falz, from his early days as a law student to his rise to fame as a rapper and actor. It has also explored his artistry, activism, and personal life.

It has also highlighted some of the awards and recognition he has received for his music and acting career, as well as his social and political activism. Falz has also proved to everyone to be a potential Naijassador. Falz is undoubtedly one of the most influential and successful Nigerian entertainers of his generation, and his story is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and hard work. He is a Wazup Guy with a vision.

 

Things you should know about Falz, a Nigerian entertainer.

Please tell our readers what else they should know in the comment section

Written by Omoare Damilola.

 

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