Nigerian rapper and lawyer Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, recently recalled an incident from his early legal career when he balanced courtroom work with his music pursuits.
He noted that, according to Nigerian legal practice, lawyers are not officially permitted to engage in another profession while actively practicing law.
During an interview with Jermaine, Falz explained that he had appeared in court on several occasions while working as a legal practitioner. On one occasion, a judge seemed aware of his other career.
Falz said he introduced himself before the bench with the words, “With profound respect, my Lord, Folarin Falana appearing for the plaintiff.” The judge then responded in a coded manner, asking, “Council, are you not the one doing something else on the side?”
The rapper clarified that the judge never mentioned music directly but made a subtle reference to his extracurricular activity. Falz admitted that he was indeed the person the judge alluded to, after which the magistrate allowed him to proceed with the case.
He summed up the exchange: “There was a day in court I announced my appearance, ‘With profound respect, my Lord, Folarin Falana appearing for the plaintiff’. And the judge said, ‘Council, are you not the one doing something else on the side?’ He said it in a coded way.”
Doris Ijeoma Israel, an entertainment journalist and graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, covers stories in film, music, and celebrity culture. She can be reached via email.
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