[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] For all those who know Folarin aka Falz the Bahd Guy, I’m sure you must agree with me at his level of humility and humor. I met Falz a couple of years ago through one his awesome sisters, Foladele Falana. Falz is the son of the popular respected lawyer Femi Falana. He is a Barrister with a strong passion for music and entertainment. He is an upcoming artist, who is very loved by today’s youths. I was so interested to hear his story, so I thought to share with you on the digest. [/dropcap]
Q & A
- Please introduce yourself and your background.
My name is Falz The Bahd Guy, real name Folarin Falana. I’m a Musician/Entertainer. Born in Lagos Nigeria, studied in Lagos, Osun, Abuja and at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Then I came back and went to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja where I qualified as a Barrister.
- What’s been the path to get you where you are today?
I wasn’t supposed to be here initially. I was studying to be a Barrister at the University of Reading in the UK during which I was doing music as a hobby. I realised I was more passionate about music than anything else and then decided to start a career in it. Here I am today!
- When and why did you start rapping?
Started rapping while I was in secondary school in Osun State (Olashore Intl school). I formed a rap group with a few friends of mine and we used to perform at school events.
- What was your first rap? And what motivated it?
My first ever verse was a rap I wrote to Trybesmen’s Plenty Nonsense and it was motivated by the original song and how much I loved it!
- Is there a song that you are never tired of playing?
All my songs!
- Which famous musicians, groups do you admire? Why? And which famous musicians have you learned from?
Some of the artists I admire are 2 Face Idibia & Asa. I have learnt from the likes of Fela Kuti & JayZ.
- What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighbourhood or town?
It would have to be driving around the streets of Lagos with my dad and my sisters listening to Fela Kuti’s records and singing along! Good Times.
- Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?
Yes. All sorts of ocassions, concerts, private parties, weddings etc.
- How do you handle mistakes during a performance? Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
I learn from my mistakes and try as much as possible not to dwell on them for too long. I do get nervous before performances but once I get on stage, everything eases up.
- What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
Just gather that confidence from within you. Your talent will always speak for you.
- How often and for how long do you practice?
I try as much as possible to do at least 2 days a week of some legal work.
- How do you balance your music with other obligations – career?
Music is my career so I’m giving it more or less my full concentration. But I want to keep the Barrister in me alive so I always continue to brush up on that part of me when I have the time.
- What are you doing when you’re not rapping? What (other) hobbies do you have or maybe a fun story about an experience involving a performance?
When I’m not rapping I’m recording crazy skits to keep people entertained. I’m a football person too. Watching and playing it are both hobbies.
- What is your most popular song (include name)?
Well, it’s either “Marry Me” ft Poe & Yemi Alade or “High Class”.
- What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on my sophomore album already. That should come at the end of this year. I’m also working on a collaborative project with an affiliated rapper named Chyn.
- Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your music?
Life and everything that happens around me really. I just observe and write!
- What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I am actually a shy person!
- For someone who wishes to take up the music career, what kind of advice would you give them?
Make sure you actually have the talent and that you’re passionate about it because if those two things are not there, you cannot survive all the way.
- And finally, I would like to give you this opportunity to share two to four of your video clips (you can include you-tube links).
To all the youths out there, yes following your passion can lead to a business which will generate money. But bare in mind that EDUCATION is KEY!
Thanks Falz for participating in Bellafricana’s Exclusive Interviews!
