‘No jokes; I’m really searching for a wife’ – Falz TheBahdGuy

By Adekunle Adedosu

Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz has no business being in the music terrain, it would seem. With a degree in Law from the University of Reddington in the United Kingdom and a call to the Nigerian Bar; Falz shocked his renowned human activist lawyer father, Femi Falana, when he chose music over Law practice. ‘He and my mum were like: ‘music! For real?’, he says.

Born on October 27, 1990, Falz got the attention of the Nigerian music scene after releasing multiple singles including ‘High Class,’ his supposed break out single. And with his most recent song/video, ‘Marry Me’ featuring Yemi Alade and his ‘Hello Bae’ skit, the video of which has gone viral; Folarin may not have made his parents proud as a lawyer, but it’s almost certain he would as an entertainer. In this chat with NET, he opened up on his music career, future plans, his intense search for a wife and more.

How long have you been into music professionally?

Well, professionally; I would say in 2009, because even while I was still studying, I put out a mix tape called ‘Shakara The Mixtape’. That was like a pre-introduction into the music industry to let people know there is an artiste out there called Falz and people pretty much enjoyed it. After that I released more singles; I put out ‘Whatz Up Guy’ which drew a lot of attention to my potentials as an artiste. After that I released ‘Cool Party’, ‘123’, and later ‘Highclass’. That is what a lot of people are familiar with, and what anybody could refer to as my breakout single. Between 2009 and 2013, I’ve been releasing singles.

What sort of name is Falz, where did you derive the name from?

Falz is derived from my last name, Falana. Back then in school, my friends shortened that name and started referring me to Falz instead of Falana.

Why did you decide not to follow your father’s footprint as a seasoned lawyer?

I look up to him and admire him a lot, and he has inspired me a lot. He is someone that fights for the rights of the masses and I just wanted to be like him but along the line, music stole my heart.

What was his reaction when you told him you wanted to do music?

He was as surprised like any other father would be. He and my mum were like: ‘Music! For real?’ But at the long run, they started believing in me. I think that happened as a result of the positive comments they started hearing about me and my chosen career. Eventually they were like: ‘Hmm…he’s good at what he’s doing.’

How has your journey into music been so far?

It’s been a while now; full of ups and downs, and full of progress. Unlike before, a lot of people know me now. I’m everywhere. A lot of people now know Falz TheBahdGuy. Though, I’m not where I want to be yet, but there is always room for improvement.

You just told us where you got the name Falz, how did the BahdGuy come in?

(Laughs) Well, it’s like ‘Falz TheBahdGuy’; you know like the villain in the movie. It literally means Brilliant and Highly Distinctive (BAHD).

What actually inspired you to do music?

I will say my passion for the arts. My love for the arts drew me into doing music. I enjoyed writing and recording music. Back then, while growing up, I listened to Plantanshun Boiz, Trybesmen, Fela Kuti. Fela was big and he’s someone that I enjoy listening to. These people were the ones who inspired me to be able to send a message to the people out there just like they’ve done in the past.

When do we expect your sophomore album to be out?

Last year 2014, I released my debut album, ‘Wazup Guy’ and it did pretty well in the industry. This year 2015, I will definitely release my second album, but that will be probably towards the end of the year. But before then, I will be releasing singles and a video will follow afterwards.

Are you signed on to any record label?

Yes, I am signed on to my independent record label called BahdGuy Records.

Aside from you, who else is on the label?

Nobody. I’m being focused on myself now, trying to develop myself to a comfortable stage before deciding to sign up another act.

What inspired you to set up your own record label?

I’m a business-minded person. I want to build up my own label, and be able to groom other up-and-coming artistes out there. I want to make a change in the music industry not just as an artiste but as a business man. I want to be well known in my profession.

You’ve have had the opportunity of recording in the UK before coming to Nigeria. How would you describe the music over there as compared to what we have here in Nigeria?

The music is very different over there; completely different style. The music out there is more structured as compared to ours here. They have good and well-structured labels, marketers, management and well-organised distribution of music. Here we still have a long way to go. Our Industry is not very well organised from distribution to marketing. Everything is always in Alaba. Piracy has eaten deep into the music business. Though, there is a lot of potential here and we are heading in a good direction.

What inspired your single, ‘Marry Me’ which features Yemi Alade?

Wow. That single is not just a song; it’s a real life story. It was something that happened to me and I decided to put it into writing. I fell out of love because of that and I was in a deep thought. Why do most ladies want to get married and settle down so desperately? You know, it’s crazy. So, I put down some lyrics and I felt I wanted to use a female artiste to express the song. Yemi Alade came up and we did it, and now it’s everywhere (laughs).

Are you saying ‘Marry Me’ storyline actually happened to you?

Yes.

Are you single or in a relationship?

Relationship wetin! Me wey be say I dey look for wife. I’m really searching for a wife. This is no joke at all. I want to settle down and get married. I have been heartbroken so many times. I’m in need of a serious relationship and I must tell you that I’m very much single and highly available (laughs). I am very serious about this. I’m searching for the true one, someone that can love me for who I am and what I am as a person.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?

I want to be seen as the next big thing. Just like when you mention Michael Jackson and you think of the world’s greatest musician. That’s what I want to be seen as; as the very big thing ruling my generation of artistes and be very successful in my profession.