Nigerian rapper, actor and social activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz the Bahd Guy, celebrates his 36th birthday on October 27, 2026. Born on October 27, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria, Falz has built a career that combines music, acting, comedy and social commentary. To mark his birthday, he shared photographs with a message reflecting on his journey: “Documenting this life journey, one chapter at a time.”
Falz grew up in a family known for its work in law and human rights. His parents, Femi Falana and Funmi Falana, are lawyers and activists. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School in Lagos before continuing his secondary education at Olashore International School in Osun State. He later studied law at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and completed his legal training at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 before choosing to focus on entertainment.
His interest in music began while he was still in school, when he formed a group called The School Boys with a friend. He released Shakara: The Mixtape in 2009 and gained attention with songs including “Waz Up Guy,” “High Class” and “Currency.” His debut studio album, Wazup Guy, arrived in 2014, followed by projects such as Stories That Touch (2015), 27 (2017) and Moral Instruction (2019). His music is known for its humour, clever lyrics and messages about social issues.
Falz also made a successful move into acting. His role as Segun in Jenifa’s Diary earned him the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Movie or Series in 2016. That same year, he won the BET Awards’ Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act award. In 2018, he received another Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in New Money.
Beyond music and acting, Falz has used his platform to speak about corruption, police brutality and political accountability in Nigeria. His 2018 song “This Is Nigeria” drew attention for its criticism of social problems in the country, while his involvement in the #EndSARS movement highlighted his support for calls to end police brutality. His work continues to connect entertainment with issues affecting Nigerian society.
As Falz celebrates his 36th birthday, his journey reflects the path of a trained lawyer who chose a career in entertainment and became known for combining rap, comedy, acting and activism. From his early school recordings to award-winning performances and socially conscious music, he has established himself as a distinctive figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
