Folarin Falana (born October 27, 1990 inLagos State), better known by his stage name Falz is a Nigerian rapper.[1] He began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called “The School Boys” with his friend before his professional career as a music artiste began in 2009.[2] Falz shot into limelight after his song titled “Marry Me” (featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade) won him a nomination in the “Best Collaboration of The Year” category at the2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He was also nominated in the “Best Rap Act of The Year” and “Best New Act to Watch” categories at the same event.[3][4] He currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records.[5]

Falz is the son of Femi Falana, a Nigerian human activist and lawyer.[6] He was called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from theNigeria Law School, Abuja.[7]

Falz was born in Lagos State, South-Westen Nigeria to renowned lawyers Femiand Funmi Falana. He completed his basic and secondary school education at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Ikeja and Olashore International School, Osun Staterespectively.[8] He is an alumnus of theUniversity of Reading after graduating with an LLB honors degree in Law.[9]

Falz started music as a hobby while in secondary school. He formed a music group with a friend called “The School Boys”. In 2009, while in high school, he released a compilation of some of his recordings as a mixtape titled Shakara: The Mixtape.[9]

In 2011, Falz released a single titled “Waz Up Guy” before he went on to release “High Class” and “Currency” which gained him grounds in the Nigerian music industry.[9]

On January 2, 2014, Falz was listed intooXclusive‘s “Aristes To Watch in 2014”.[10]On 30 May 2014, Falz released his debut studio album titled Wazup Guy which was received to critical acclaim among music critics.[11]

In 2015, Falz was nominated in the “Best Collaboration of The Year” category at the2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for his chart-topping single titled “Marry Me”. On 31 January 2015, he released a single titled “Ello Bae”[12] which won him a nomination in the “Best Street Hop Artiste of The Year” category at The Headies 2015.[13] On 3 November 2015, he announced the release of his second studio album titled Stories That Touch which was later released on 17 November 2015.[14][15]

In 2016, Falz won “Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series” at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for his role as Segun in Funke Akindele‘s TV seriesJenifa’s Diary.[16] In June of 2016, Falz was voted the winner of the “Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act” category at the2016 BET Awards.[17][18]

Falz describes his style of music as “Wahzup music”.[19] It is the fusion of comic lyrics with the contemporary hip-hop in a faux Yoruba accent.[20] On 18 November 2014, Falz was ranked #9 on notJustOk‘s list of “The 10 Most Gifted Rappers In Nigeria 2014” stating that, “Falz’s ability to maintain a thought and get his point across in 16 barz while switching accents, infusing funny punchlines and delivering all of it in a way that makes the listener follow along is nothing short of impressive”.[21]