Falz, the Nigerian rapper, has revealed that he led a double life while practicing law.

In an episode of the Madam Joyce podcast, Falz disclosed that he was once a lawyer by day and a rapper by night.

Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana, explained that it was not easy balancing his two careers.

He revealed that there was an “unspoken rule” within the legal profession that prohibited lawyers from engaging in other activities while practicing law.

Falz shared a memorable experience in court where his double life was almost exposed.

He recalled announcing his appearance in court as “Folarin the Falana, appearing for the plaintiff.” He said the judge, however, seemed to be aware of his music career and asked if he was not the one “doing something else on the side”.

“There was one time I was in court, I was living a double life at the time as well. Lawyer by day, rapper by night. So I announced my appearance ‘With profound respect my lord, the name is Folarin the Falana, appearing for the plaintiff’,” he said.

“And the judge just lowered his glasses and was like ‘counsel, are you not the one doing something else on the side?’. There is an unspoken rule of professional conduct within the legal profession where you are not supposed to do other things while in practise.”

Falz, who rose to fame in 2009, is renowned for using his music to address societal issues and bad governance. Some of his popular tracks include ‘Wehdone Sir’, ‘Child of the World’, and ‘Talk’.

His impressive career has earned him multiple awards, including ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards.

He also holds an LLB in Law from the University of Reading, England.

The federal high court in Lagos has adjourned the “copyright infringement” suit filed against gospel singer Sinach by music producer Michael Oluwole till January 2025.

Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Sinach over her 2016 hit song ‘Way Maker’.

Maye, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, seeks a declaration from the court that he is an author and co-owner of the musical work.

He also demands general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

The plaintiff is seeking, among other reliefs, an order requiring that, in the absence of a written agreement with the defendant, all fees generated from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ be equitably shared between them as co-owners.

“The plaintiff also requests the court to: Determine an equitable division of fees as either an equal share or another division the court deems appropriate,” the lawsuit reads.

“Compel the defendant to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker’, account for all accrued fees, and pay the plaintiff his due share.

“Declare that the defendant failed in her statutory obligation to conclude written agreements with the plaintiff for his contributions to the sound recording; Affirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were infringed upon.

“Issue a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.”

Oluwole, through Justin Ige, his legal representative, said he worked as a studio engineer on ‘Way Maker’, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.

He also claimed that he created and performed several instrumental accompaniments, including piano, strings, and synthesizers, without a transfer of his performer’s rights.

Oluwole alleged that Sinach released the song without his consent or compensation. He also claimed that she had obtained licenses for the song without sharing the proceeds, describing her actions as “oppressive”.

In response, Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba of Etiaba Chambers, denied the producer’s claims.

The singer maintained that she had achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and claimed sole authorship of the song. She said the song was composed, arranged, and performed with other artistes such as Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Oluwole’s involvement.

Sinach argued that the Oluwole’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a “service for which he was paid $300”.

She denied any obligation to establish a written agreement with him and maintained that he is not entitled to performer’s rights, copyright, or publishing royalties.

The trial, which began on November 27, 2024, was adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025. This was after the court had taken arguments from the prosecution. The adjournment is to enable the defense to present its case.

Born Osinachi Kalu, Sinachi is the first singer to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12 weeks.

‘Way Maker’ received three nominations and won ‘Song of the Year’ at the 51st GMA Dove Awards, making Sinach the first Nigerian to win the award.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a Nigerian musician, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Counsel for the singer and Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development in a post on his official X page on Wednesday.

Adeyanju stated that his client was arrested while performing at a show in Owerri, days after returning to the country earlier in the week.

He wrote, “Our client, Speed Darlington, a.k.a AKPI, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police in Owerri at his show upon return to Nigeria.”

However, the reason for the singer’s arrest remains unclear at the time of filing this report.