By Agatha Emeadi
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falzthebahdguy, is a Nigerian rapper, actor and song writer.
He is the only son of Mr Femi Falana (SAN), a renowned Nigerian lawyer, and human rights activist.
Coming from a family of lawyers, Falz, himself also a lawyer, instead started a music career and today owns a record label called Bahd Guys Records.
Speaking with Sunday Sun recently, among other entertainment issues, he said his parents are very proud of his achievement in his chosen career against law practice.
At what point did you decide to join the entertainment industry as a lawyer?
Well, it was during my undergraduate days, I realized that I will go into entertainment professionally. At that time, I knew I was not interested in Law, but must graduate, go to Law School and be called to the Bar. But all the while, I knew entertainment was what I wanted. Even after I was called to Bar, I was doing it all the while and knew this is the part I want to follow.
What got you interested in entertainment?
I have always been interested in entertainment since my secondary school years. I used to listen to music a lot. I grew up on a lot of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s records. My dad used to play a lot of Fela’s records in a considerable amount of time. Therefore, growing up on this record soaked me into music. Fela’s music are very musical composure and I was taking it in. Again, in my secondary school days, when we were in SS1, one of my friends started rapping and I took interest in that. So, the rest, they say, is history.
Femi and Funmi Falana (your parents) are big names in the legal profession. Your father would have loved his lawyer son to replace him at old age. How did they feel when you deviated from legal practice to join the entertainment world and now that you have made it?
Well, their son is still a lawyer and I guess that helped me all the way because I did not completely deviate. I did not leave my studies or profession even after I was called to Bar. They still have that peace of mind that their son is a lawyer despite the fact that this is what he is interested in doing.
Presently, are they proud of your entertainment activities?
Yes, they are very happy with what I am doing. They are very proud parents with what I have been able to achieve.
What has being an entertainer/lawyer brought to you?
I would say it has helped me find out my path because everybody has their path. My dad Femi Falana is a renowned lawyer and activist. I have been able to carve my own path of activism with the entertainment and within my own art. I have been able to carve my own direction and method of activism as well.
How does the society see you as Femi Falana’s lawyer son who became an entertainer?
I would like to hope that they see me as a trail blazer, someone that is doing things very differently, unique in his approach. Someone who is having a path to be iconic. Then again, you know how Nigerians are, when you pass, you will be hailed, some will expect something from you, then there is a big supporting fan base who loves your works.
During one of your birthdays, you mum prayed for you like every other mother would do; but with a clause… “Do not bring a Baby-Mama for me; marry a wife and bring for me.” So, what do you say to that?
Just like I said Amen on that day of the prayer, I am still saying a big Amen to her prayers today. Well, wife would come at the right time when I feel I am ready. I do not like to bow to societal pressure. As a man, there is a certain age that one would not like the society to pressure him or her anymore.
I think at the right time, marriage will come.
Most families are also battling academic deviation with a focus on entertainment; do you have any forum where you can address this being a victim, and to make sure that such people are guided?
I have worked with different organizations to address such issues, but it is a thing that I am looking into. I have heard it more than once that there is a peculiar area that I might want to create something from it. I am still looking into it.
What has been part of Jennifer’s Diary where you played the role of ‘Shege’ pronounced Sege done to your career?
It has been a very interesting journey which we started 10 years ago (2015). In December last year, we did a movie ‘Everybody loves Jennifer, Cinema Block Buster which is still the highest busting movie till date. I think the film as a whole has been an eye opener for me and has even helped me to expand my horizon as far as entertainment is concerned.
You did not study Theatre Arts, but excelling in movies?
Yes, I did not study Theater Arts, but at the end of the day, I think it is a thing of talent and passion. If you have a gift, nurture it and give it your best.
What about your music career?
Like I said earlier that was when I was in secondary school, I took interest in music and ever since then, I keep on going.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years in the entertainment industry?
I want to keep on going until I establish an iconic status. I already have a film production company where I will be producing and directing my own films. In music, I will like to find nature and humour.
How are you coping with the rise in the entertainment world?
It is interesting, exciting, but a big part of it takes away one’s privacy, and ability to just being yourself.
How was growing up? Talk about your family, parents and siblings?
It was interesting and very nice. I have two sisters and I am the only boy in the family of five. I remember as young people when we get to some places and probably get identified as Falana; next will be is it the same Falana? So, the name made us understand that we must protect something especially with our dad being a renowned lawyer. So, it was interesting.
What advice would you give to the young people who want to be like Falzthebadguy?
I would say to them carve your own path. Find out what is unique about you. Be hard-working, unique, disciplined and focused. You can achieve a lot with these factors.