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Falz

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Falz Verified artist
Falz wearing a red hat and a pair of round lens glasses
Falz on NdaniTV
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Background information
Birth name Folarin Falana
Also known as Falz the Bahd Guy
Born 27 October 1990 (age 35)
Lagos State, Nigeria
Origin Lagos
Genres
Occupation(s)

Rapper

Instrument(s) Vocals
Years active 2009–present
Labels Bahd Guys Records
Associated acts

Folarin Falana born 27 October 1990), better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor.[1] He began his career in secondary school after forming a group called "The School Boys" with a friend, before launching his professional music career in 2009.[2] Falz gained wider recognition after releasing the song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.[3][4]

He currently owns an independent record label called "Bahd Guys Records".[5] He released his debut album Wazup Guy in 2014. His second album Stories That Touch was released in 2015. He released 27 in 2017, and his fourth studio album Moral Instruction in 2019.

Early life and education

Falz was born in the local government area of Mushin, Lagos State, to lawyers and human right activists Funmi and Femi Falana.[6] He was called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.[7] Falz completed his basic and secondary school education at St. Leo's Catholic Primary School, Ikeja and Olashore International School, Osun State respectively.[8] He is an alumnus of the University of Reading England, having graduated with an LLB honors degree in Law.[9]

Career

2009–2013: Beginnings and Shakara: The Mixtape

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

In 2011, Falz released a single titled "Wahz Up Guy", then released "High Class" and "Currency", which gained him grounds in the Nigerian music industry.[9]

2014–2016: Wazzup Guy, Stories That Touch and Chemistry EP

On 2 January 2014, Falz was listed in tooXclusive's "Artistes To Watch in 2014".[10] On 30 May 2014, Falz released his debut studio album titled Wazup Guy, the album featured productions from the likes of Studio Magic, DJ Woske, Tin Tin and Spellz, among others. Wazzup Guy houses 18 tracks with guest appearances from Olamide, Show Dem Camp, Phenom, and Yemi Alade. Some of the tracks are: "See Me", "Toyin Tomato", "Senator", "Right Now", "Jessica", "High Class", "Marry Me", "Oh God", "The Advice" and "Cool Parry", which was critically acclaimed by music critics.[citation needed]

On 31 January 2015, Falz returned with an official single titled "Ello Bae". Actually, it was his first solo effort after the release, of Wazzup Guy and it won him several awards.[11]

In 2015, Falz was nominated in the "Best Collaboration of The Year" category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for his chart-topping single "Marry Me". It won him a nomination in the "Best Collaboration of The Year" category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He was also nominated in the "Best Rap Act of The Year" and "Best New Act to Watch" categories.

On 31 January 2015, he released a single titled "Ello Bae",[12] which made him a nominee in the "Best Street Hop Artiste of The Year" category at 2015 The Headies award.[13]

On 3 November 2015, he announced the release of his second studio album, titled Stories That Touch, which was released on 17 November.[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 series Jenifa's Diary.[16] In June 2016, Falz was voted the winner of the "Viewer's Choice Best New International Act" category at the 2016 BET Awards.[17][18]

On 27 October 2016, Falz collaborated with Simi to release Chemistry, a seven-track EP solely produced by Sess. Falz had previously worked with Simi on the singles "Jamb Question" and "Soldier".[19][20]

2017 – present: 27 and acting career

On 27 October 2017, his 27th birthday, Falz released a new album titled 27 to celebrate the day. This was a surprise album, as it was not promoted before its release.[21] It contained 17 tracks including hit singles like "Bhad Baddo Baddest", "Wehdone sir", and "Something light". It featured prominent music acts like Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry, Sir Dauda, Medikal, Terry Apala, and Ycee. The album was majorly produced by Sess as an in-house producer, with some tracks done by Maleek Berry, and studio magic. The album performed well and earned several awards and nominations, including a nomination for The Headies Award for Rap Album of the Year.

In May 2018, Falz released a music video titled "This Is Nigeria" which was inspired by Childish Gambino's "This is America". It highlighted Nigerian issues including corruption and bribery.[22]

Months later, the song was banned by the NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) claiming it was a vulgar song. When Falz was asked, he said: "If they ban this song, then I do not understand them because that song is definitely not a vulgar song,". However, Falz sues NBC for N100 Million.[23]

On 1 September 2018, Falz won "Best Supporting Actor" at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for his role as Quam in Tope Oshin Ogun's movie New Money, becoming the first Nigerian musician to have won the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards twice.

In August 2020, Falz unveiled his film production company with the name House21TV. While unveiling the new film production company Falz also took to Instagram to unveil an all new comedy series, Therapy Session, to air exclusively on YouTube.[24]

In March 2022, Falz announced on his Instagram page that he will be doing things a little differently this year having deleted all his post from the past year assuring that it's a new dispensation by dropping is first official single for the year with BNXN also called Buju titled "Ice Cream". He also got a van with a ticketing booth imprinted with Falz Ice Cream giving spreading love to people by giving free ice cream within the cities of Lagos.[25]

In March 2023, Falz collaborated with rapper Vector to release the single Yakubu, a politically charged track criticizing the 2023 Nigerian general elections.[26] The song was named after the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, and highlighted various electoral controversies. It gained widespread attention for its bold political message.[27]

In May 2023, Falz underwent surgery in London to repair a torn ACL sustained during a football match in late 2022. He documented his surgery and recovery process on social media, sharing the challenges of rehabilitation and his progress as he returned to full health through physiotherapy.[28]

Artistry

Falz describes his style of music as "Wahzup music".[29] It is the fusion of comic lyrics with contemporary hip-hop in a faux Yoruba accent.[30]

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".[31]

EndSARS protest

Further information: End SARS In October 2020, Falz called on Runtown and other Nigerian celebrities to join the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, calling on the government to end police brutality. The singer is vocal about issues bordering on social justice across the country. Paying tribute to the victims of police brutality, he released a music video for "Johnny", the first single off his last album, Moral Instruction. He wrote in a post introducing the song, "We will never forget the heroes that have been unlawfully slain. This is for them. For every single Nigerian life snatched away unlawfully, we must make sure we get justice." "Almost two years since I released the audio. Even more disturbing to think that as time passed, the message became more relevant."[32]

In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, in 2020, Falz said President Buhari's promise to reform the Nigerian police was infuriating and frustrating as he claimed Buhari has been making same promise since 2017.[33]

Activism

Known for his activism through music, Falz continues to release tracks addressing social and political issues in Nigeria. During the 2023 elections, he called for increased participation and youth involvement in Nigerian politics, as well as other issues like voter apathy and electoral malpractice.[34] His 2023 single "Yakubu",[35] following previous hits like "This is Nigeria",[36] further solidified his position as a socially conscious artist, using music to critique corruption and injustices in the country.

Discography

Main articles: Falz discography Studio albums

EPs

Filmography

Name
Year Film/ Television Role Notes
2015 Jenifa's Diary Sege TV series
2016 Couple of Days Gateman Movie
Tinsel Kayode Beko-Williams Soap opera
2017 10 Days in Sun City Seyi Movie
2018 New Money Quam Movie
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons Remi Martin Movie
Chief Daddy Femi 'Famzy' Beecroft Movie
2019 Merry Men 2 Remi Martin Movie
Muna Police Officer Movie (cameo)
Your Excellency AK Famzy Movie (camoe)
2021 Quam's Money Quam Omole Movie
2021 Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke Femi 'Famzy' Beecroft Movie
2022 Brotherhood Wale Adetula Movie
2022 Knee Down Femi Short drama
2023 Donkey Curse Comedy / Fantasy
2024 Everybody Loves Jenifa Sege Comedy / Drama

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref.
2014 Scream Awards Best New Act of the Year Himself Nominated
2015 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Rap Act of the Year Nominated
Best New Act to Watch Nominated
Best Collaboration of the Year Falz for "Marry Me" Nominated
The Headies Best Street Hop Artiste of the Year Falz for "Ello Bae" Nominated
2016 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series Jenifa's Diary Won
2016 BET Awards Viewer's Choice Best New International Act Himself Won
2016 City People Entertainment Awards Album of the Year Stories That Touch Won [37]
9th Nigeria Music Video Awards Best Afro Hip Hop Video "Karashika" Won [38]
2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Music Video Nominated [39]
Album of the Year Stories That Touch Nominated [40]
WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards Best African Newcomer Video "Bahd Baddo Baddest" Nominated [41]
Best African Hip Hop Video Nominated [42]
The Headies Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated
Album of the Year "Stories That Touch" Nominated
Best Rap Album "Stories That Touch" Nominated
Best Collabo "Soldier" Won
Best Street Hop Artiste of the Year Ajebutter22 featuring Falz for "Bad Gang" Nominated [43]
2017 City People Music Award Alternative Artist of the Year Himself Nominated
Nigeria Entertainment Award Best Album of the Year Chemistry Nominated [44]
Best Rap Act of the Year Himself Nominated
2018 The Headies Best Rap Single "Something Light" Nominated [45]
Best Rap Album 27 Nominated
Best Performer Himself Nominated
Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Supporting Actor New Money Won [46]
2019 The Headies Best Rap Single "Talk" Won [47]
Best Rap Album Moral Instruction Won
Album of the Year Won
2020 Best Rap Single "Bop Daddy" featuring Ms Banks Won
2021 Net Honours Most Popular Musician Himself Nominated [48]

References

  1. ↑ Osagie, AlongeMeet Femi Falana's lawyer-turned rapper son Falz The Bad Guy. The NET. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  2. ↑ Sherif, OSFalz Biography and Songs (Must Read). 25 September 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  3. ↑ Ade-Unuigbe, AdesolaKiss Daniel, Korede Bello, Falz, Wizkid, Olamide, Davido & More Nominated for the 10th Annual Nigerian Entertainment Awards. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  4. ↑ Ebirim, JulietI have big shoes to fill as Femi Falana's son – Falz. Vanguard. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  5. ↑ Jaiyesinmi, Doyin#TheNextBigThing:Falz is Femi Falana's son, but that's just 'shakara'. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  6. ↑ Ekpo, Nathaniel NathanI Supported my Son Falz but His Mother Did Not …Femi Falana. 1 August 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  7. ↑ Ayo, OnikoyiFemi Falanas son, Falz dumped law music. Vanguard. 14 February 2014
  8. ↑ Tinuola, JosephHOW FEMI FALANA'S LAWYER SON FALZ BECAME A RAPPER. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Adedosu, Adekunle'No jokes; I'm really searching for a wife' – Falz TheBahdGuy. The NET. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  10. ↑ TylerTooXclusive's Artistes To Watch In 2014. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  11. ↑ JonathanFalz the BahdGuy - 'Ello Bae'. Pulse Nigeria. 31 January 2015
  12. ↑ Falz - Ello Bae. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 2016-05-12
  13. ↑ Badmus, Kayode#Headies2015: Olamide battles reminisce, Falz, and Small Doctor for Best Street Hop. The NET. 30 September 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  14. ↑ Falz Reveals Album Art & Release Date of Sophomore Album, "Stories That Touch". 3 November 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  15. ↑ For second album, Falz tells 'Stories That Touch'. Vanguard. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  16. ↑ Peters, OreoluwaHow Falz got his award-winning acting break on Jenifa's Diary. 6 March 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016
  17. ↑ Igboanugo, AdaFalz wins first BET Award. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016
  18. ↑ Egbo, VwovweFalz The Bahd Guy: Rapper bags BET Viewer's Choice Best International Act Award. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016
  19. ↑ Joey AkanPulse Album Review: Falz and Simi "Chemistry" EP is lightning striking 7 times. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016
  20. ↑ Showemimo, AdedayoFalz and Simi drop joint EP 'Chemistry'. The NET. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016
  21. ↑ Falz 27 album. Genius. Retrieved 22 September 2018
  22. ↑ AfricaNewsNigeria's remake of 'This is America' music video goes viral, endorsed by P. Diddy | Africanews. Retrieved 2018-05-29
  23. ↑ PorumbaFalz sues NBC for N100 Million | Porumba. Retrieved 1 July 2019
  24. ↑ Falz Unveils Something Big That Can Shake Comedy Industry. Kingsparo TV. Retrieved 2020-08-10
  25. ↑ Falz teams up with BNXN in new single Ice Cream. The Guardian. 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2022-03-30
  26. ↑ Nigeria, GuardianFalz The Bad Guy, Vector Disses 'Eye Neck' Chairman In New Song. The Guardian. 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2024-09-25
  27. ↑ Akinyode, PeaceFalz, Vector diss INEC chair in new song. The Punch. 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2024-09-25
  28. ↑ Lawal, BabatundeFalz calls for prayers as he undergoes surgery in London. Pulse Nigeria. 2023-05-11. Retrieved 2024-09-25
  29. ↑ Onikoyi, AyoWhy Femi Falana's Son, Falz Dumped Law for Music. Vanguard. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  30. ↑ Mukaila, MulikatWhy my faux Yoruba style is popular – Falz. Daily Trust. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  31. ↑ The 10 Most Gifted Rappers In Nigeria 2014: #9 – Falz. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2015
  32. ↑ #EndSARS: Falz releases new music video in honor of victims of police brutality. Business Insider. 11 November 2020
  33. ↑ Buhari's promise irritating; I'm not afraid to die, Falz tells CNN's Amanpour. Vanguard. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2021-02-26
  34. ↑ Why everyone must participate in 2023 polls - Falz - P.M. News. P.M. News. Retrieved 2023-04-06
  35. ↑ BellaNaija.comNew Music + Video: Falz & Vector – Yakubu. BellaNaija. 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2024-09-25
  36. ↑ Joey Akan, Special toRapper Falz's 'This is Nigeria' video holds up a mirror for the country. CNN. 2018-05-28. Retrieved 2024-09-25
  37. ↑ Adedayo ShowemimoFull List Of Winners at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. The NET. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016
  38. ↑ Wizkid, Falz The Bahd Guy, Korede Bello Wins Big NMVA Award Winners (See Full List). naijanewsrave.com. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016
  39. ↑ Ogumka InnocentNigerian Entertainment Awards 2016 Full List Of Nominees – NEA 2016. naijavoice.com. 18 June 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016
  40. ↑ Nominations are Here! Find out who made the 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards Nominees List. BellaNaija. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016
  41. ↑ Mawuli, DavidWAMVA 2016: Bisa Kdei, Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Wizkid, Flavour, others nominated - Music - Pulse. 2 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016
  42. ↑ Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Cassper, Diamond, Rihanna, Shatta Wale Nominated for 2016 WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards - The Gab Wire. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016
  43. ↑ Full list of nominees for the 2016 Headies Awards. YNaija. 9 November 2016
  44. ↑ Solanke, AbiolaWizkid, Tekno, Davido nominated for Best Single NEA 2017. Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2018-07-04
  45. ↑ Ohunyon, EhisWizkid, Davido, Simi and Mayorkun are among the big winners at the 12th edition of the Headies Music Awards.. Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2018-07-04
  46. ↑ Kehinde, OpeyemiAfrica: Nominees Revealed for 2018 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2018-07-04
  47. ↑ Headies 2019: Here are all the winners at the 13th edition of music award. Pulse Nigeria. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019
  48. ↑ Net Honours - The Class of 2021. The NET. Retrieved 2021-07-21

40. https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/falz-teams-up-with-bnxn-in-new-single-ice-cream/

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