Falz: The Bahd Guy of Nigerian Music

Early Life and Background

Folarin Falana, professionally known as Falz (or Falz the Bahd Guy), was born on 27 October 1990 in Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria.

He is the son of renowned Nigerian human rights lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Funmi Falana. Growing up in a family of legal advocates instilled in him strong values of justice and social awareness.

Falz attended St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School in Ikeja and Olashore International School in Osun State. He later studied Law at the University of Reading, England, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Musical Career

Falz began music as a hobby in secondary school, forming a group called The School Boys with his friends. He officially started gaining recognition in 2009 after releasing his mixtape Shakara: The Mixtape.

His witty blend of rap, comedy, and storytelling quickly distinguished him. He often performs in a faux Yoruba accent, combining humor with hard-hitting social messages.

Falz’s mainstream breakthrough came with “Marry Me” (feat. Yemi Alade & Poe) in 2014, followed by hit singles like Ello Bae and Soft Work.

In 2015, his second album Stories That Touch established him as one of Nigeria’s most versatile rappers. His career reached new heights in 2018 with the release of “This Is Nigeria”, a politically charged track inspired by Childish Gambino’s This Is America. The song went viral, cementing his reputation as a socially conscious artist.

Key Milestones

• 2009: Released Shakara: The Mixtape.
• 2014: Breakthrough single Marry Me.
• 2015: Released Stories That Touch album.
• 2016: Won BET Award for Best International Act (Viewers’ Choice).
• 2017: Released joint EP Chemistry with Simi.
• 2018: Viral release of This Is Nigeria.
• 2019: Dropped Moral Instruction, a socially conscious album.
• 2022: Released Bahd, showing his blend of Afropop and hip-hop.

Style and Influence

Falz’s artistry is defined by:

• Fusion of rap, Afrobeat, and Afropop,
• Humor and satire in his lyrics,
• Storytelling ability with a socially conscious lens,
• Unique use of Pidgin English and Yoruba-inflected delivery.

He is also admired for balancing his law background with activism, using music as a tool for social commentary.

Discography

Studio Albums

1. Wazup Guy (2014)
   • Marry Me (feat. Yemi Alade & Poe)
   • Toyin Tomato
   • Cool Parry
2. Stories That Touch (2015)
   • Soft Work
   • Soldier (feat. Simi)
   • Karishika (feat. Phyno & Chigurl)
3. 27 (2017)
   • Something Light (feat. Ycee)
   • Jeje
   • Child of the World
4. Moral Instruction (2019)
   • Hypocrite (feat. Demmie Vee)
   • Johnny
   • Follow Follow
5. Bahd (2022)
   • Ice Cream (feat. BNXN fka Buju)
   • All Night
   • Tender Love (feat. Boy Spyce)

Extended Play (EPs)

• Chemistry (2016, with Simi)
  • Soldier
  • Chemistry
  • Show You Pepper

Selected Hit Singles

• Marry Me (2014)
• Ello Bae (2015)
• Soft Work (2016)
• Soldier (feat. Simi, 2016)
• Something Light (feat. Ycee, 2017)
• This Is Nigeria (2018)
• Bop Daddy (feat. Ms Banks, 2020)
• Ice Cream (feat. BNXN, 2022)

Awards and Recognition

• BET Award – Best International Act (Africa, Viewers’ Choice, 2016).
• Headies Awards – Best Rap Album (Stories That Touch).
• Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Best Actor in a Comedy (2016), showing his versatility in film.
• International recognition for This Is Nigeria as one of Afrobeats’ boldest social commentaries.

Conclusion

Falz is more than a rapper — he is a storyteller, comedian, activist, and cultural critic. With his sharp wit, lyrical creativity, and fearless social commentary, he has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most intelligent and entertaining artists. Whether making fans laugh with Ello Bae or reflect deeply with This Is Nigeria, Falz truly embodies the spirit of the Bahd Guy.