Fola (singer)
Nigerian singer (born 1999)

Fola
Born
Folarin Odunlami

(2001-04-26) April 26, 2001 (age 24)
Lagos State, Nigeria
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2014–present
Musical career
Genres
Labels
Musical artist

Folarin Odunlami (born April 26, 1999), known professionally as Fola (stylised in all caps as FOLA), is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. He rose to fame in 2022 following the release of his song "Ginger Me", featuring Bella Shmurda was met with critical acclaim.[1] He signed with Dangbana Republik and released his debut extended play, what a feeling (2024).

Career

On March 24, 2022, Fola released his debut single "Ginger Me", which featured Bella Shmurda.[2][3] On June 21, 2022, he released the single "Cool Me Down", featuring BBeatz.[4] That same day, he released "Beholder," featuring Picazo.[5] Fola had one solo record in 2022 titled "Bella", which is considered to be his first song without featuring other artists.[6] He thereafter released his single "First Things First" in October 2022.[7]

On February 23, 2024, Fola released the single "Feeling." The song was described by NotJustOk magazine as ranging from "simple and soundly executed boasts to affairs" to "futuristic confessions" to "tales of love."[8] He released the single "Alone" featuring BhadBoi OML on July 12, 2024.[9] The single peaked at number 7 on the UK Afrobeats chart.[10] It ranked number 7 on TheCable's top 10 radio picks.[11] The music video was released the next day, and was directed by Akambi Pictures.[12]

On October 4, 2024, he released the remix of "Alone" featuring Bnxn.[13][14] The remix charted at number 1 on the Nigeria Official Streaming Songs, and number 4 on the TurnTable Top 100.

Fola signed a major label recording contract with Dangbana Republik on October 11, 2024.[15][16] He went on to release his debut extended play, What a Feeling, in December.[17] The EP featured appearances from Bella Shmurda, Magixx, Bnxn, and BhadBoi OML.[18]

The extended play was described by TooXclusive as a testament to Fola's potential, with enchanting storytelling, good melodies, and thoughtful lyrics.[19] An Album Talk review remarked that on the EP, Fola comes with "heartfelt writing and soulful melodies to tell relatable stories of love, desire, and heartbreak that appeal to the feelings." It's also a good debut effort, as it showcases Fola's strength and establishes a distinct sonic identity that sets him apart from his peers vying for their own breakthrough moments.[20]

African Folder praised "What a Feeling" as a fantastic project that consolidates a fantastic rookie year for Fola and introduces him to an audience who may not have been familiar with his talent.[21]

On March 20, 2025, Zlatan announced on his social media pages that he would feature Fola on his upcoming song.[22] The single, which happens to be "Get Better," was released the next day, March 21, 2025.[23] The song debuted at number 2 on the TurnTable Top 100.[24] It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Charts[25][26] and also peaked at number 2 on the Nigeria Apple Music Chart.[27]

On April 11, 2025, Bella Shmurda and Fola released their collaborative single "Dangbana Riddim".[28] The song was written by Bella Shmurda and Fola and was produced by Sbee.[29]

Fola released his first single of 2025, which featured Kizz Daniel, on April 24, 2025.[30][31] The song debuted at number 8 on the Official UK Afrobeats Charts.[32] On May 3, 2025, the music video for the song was released.[33][34] On June 4, 2025, Fola was featured on Bnxn's "Very Soon".[35][36] The song became the third single for Bnxn's sixth studio album, Captain.[37] It debuted at number 5 on the Official UK Afrobeats Charts[38] and number 9 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Charts.[39]

On July 25, 2025, Fola was featured on DJ Tunez "One Condition", alongside Wizkid.[40][41] It peaked at number 4 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 100.[42] On August 7, 2025, Fola released "You".[43][44]

On August 15, 2025, Fola took to his social media handles to announce the forthcoming release of his debut studio album, Catharsis, which will be released on September 5, 2025.[45][46]

Discography

Albums

Title Details
What a Feeling (EP)
Catharsis[48]

References

  1. ^ Adedeji, Adeyanyu (June 16, 2025). "How Fola's incredible run has made him Afrobeats' most beloved newcomer". The Net Nigeria. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  2. ^ Wonu, Osikoya (March 30, 2022). "Songs Of The Day: New Music From Wizkid, Kwesi Arthur, Nandy and More". The Native. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  3. ^ "[MUSIC] Fola Ft Bella Shmurda - Ginger Me"". March 24, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  4. ^ DT (June 26, 2022). "Cool Me Down' Shifts Gears: FOLA and BBeatz Redefine Afro-Pop Dynamics". Daily Times. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  5. ^ Odion E. Okonofua (July 1, 2022). "Fola and Picazo's "Beholder" thrives under BBeatz's Sonic infusion". P.M. News. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  6. ^ Rita, Okoya (December 31, 2024). "2025: 10 top rising Artists to watch". Vanguard. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  7. ^ Ajibade, David (June 24, 2025). "Meet Fola: The Nigerian Music Sensation Redefining Afro Sounds". BSV News. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  8. ^ Olafunke, Taiwo (March 16, 2025). "Feeling by FOLA". NotJustOk. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  9. ^ Peace, Umanah (July 12, 2024). "FOLA & Bhadboi OML – Alone". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  10. ^ "Chart history of ALONE". OCC. December 10, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  11. ^ Kunle, Daramola (October 19, 2024). "TCL radio picks: Fola debuts with 'Alone' as Fido's 'Awolowo' jumps to fourth spot". TheCable. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  12. ^ "Fola Releases "Alone" Music Video Featuring Bahdboi OML". The Bounce. July 13, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  13. ^ Peace, Umanah (October 5, 2024). "Fola & BNXN – Alone Remix". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  14. ^ Peace, Umanah (October 4, 2024). "Fola ft. BNXN – Alone (Remix) Dropping at Midnight". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  15. ^ Anine Juliet, Oghale (October 11, 2024). "Bella Shmurda unveils new signee 'Fola' to Dangbana Republik". The Punch. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  16. ^ Olukorede, Owoeye (October 11, 2024). "Bella Shmurda welcomes Fola to Dangbana Republik". The Netng. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  17. ^ "Fola Shares Debut Studio EP "what a feeling"". Album Talks. December 8, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  18. ^ Peace Umanah (December 8, 2024). "FOLA – what a feeling EP". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  19. ^ Peace Umanah (December 14, 2024). "FOLA – what a feeling EP Review". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  20. ^ TJ Martins (December 12, 2024). "FOLA Makes Sweet, Emotive Music For The Soul On 'what a feeling' [EP review]". Album Talks. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  21. ^ Philemon Jacob (June 3, 2025). "FOLA – What A Feeling EP Review: A Solid Project From A Rookie". African Folder. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  22. ^ Peace Umanah (March 20, 2025). "Zlatan & Fola Set to Drop Inspiring New Track, Get Better, This Month". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  23. ^ Samson Ayodeji (March 21, 2025). "Get Better". MusicUntamed. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  24. ^ "Kunmie's "Arike" Clocks a Third Week at No. 1, Zlatan & Fola's "Get Better" Enters a New Peak of No. 2". TurnTable Charts. March 24, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  25. ^ Umanah, Peace (April 4, 2025). "Zlatan & Fola's Get Better Soars to No. 7 on Billboard US Afrobeats Chart". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  26. ^ Clifford, Elizabeth (April 2, 2025). "Zlatan and Fola's 'Get Better' makes a big splash on Billboard Charts". NotJustOk. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  27. ^ Umanah, Peace (April 12, 2025). "Zlatan & FOLA's Get Better Climbs to No. 2 on the Nigeria Apple Music Top Songs Chart". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  28. ^ TLR (April 12, 2025). "Bella Shmurda & Fola drop infectious 'Dangbana Riddim'". The Lagos Review. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  29. ^ "Bella Shmurda & Fola Unveil New Single "Dangbana Riddim"". Album Talks. April 11, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  30. ^ Peter Okhide (April 25, 2025). "FOLA and Kizz Daniel pair up for emotionally charged 'Lost'". NotJustOk. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  31. ^ Felix Ansah (June 13, 2025). "FOLA Teams Up With Kizz Daniel on New Single "Lost"". Afrobeats Magazine. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  32. ^ "Chart history of LOST". Official Charts Company. May 10, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  33. ^ "MUSIC VIDEO: FOLA, Kizz Daniel - Lost". Factory78. May 3, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  34. ^ Hannatu, Ibe (April 27, 2025). "FOLA & Kizz Daniel Drop Heartfelt 'Lost' Music Video". NB. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  35. ^ Felix, Ansah (June 10, 2025). "BNXN Teams Up With FOLA on Emotional New Single "Very Soon"". Afrobeats Magazine. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  36. ^ Peter, Okhide (June 5, 2025). "BNXN enlists FOLA for new single 'Very Soon'". NotJustOk. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  37. ^ Musa Adekunle (July 3, 2025). "BNXN releases new album, 'Captain', features Victony, Seyi Vibez, others". The Guardian. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  38. ^ "Chart history of VERY SOON". OCC. May 21, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  39. ^ Soltesh, Iyere (June 18, 2025). "BNXN and FOLA's "Very Soon" Enters Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart". Lambo Xtra. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  40. ^ Samuel Jemituwi (July 25, 2025). "DJ Tunez Releases New Single "One Condition" ft. Wizkid & FOLA". NB. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  41. ^ Peace (July 25, 2025). "DJ Tunez, Wizkid & FOLA – One Condition". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  42. ^ TTC (August 18, 2025). "Burna Boy's "Love" Returns for a Second Week at No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, Gunna & Wizkid's "Forever Be Mine" Debuts at No. 2". TurnTable. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  43. ^ "Fola's "You" + More New And Trending Songs by African Artists". Style Rave. August 8, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  44. ^ AM (August 9, 2025). "FOLA Delivers Emotional Vulnerability in New Single 'you'". Afrobeats Magazine. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  45. ^ Peace (August 16, 2025). "FOLA Announces Debut Album Catharsis, Out September 5th". TooXclusive. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  46. ^ Elizabeth Clifford (August 15, 2025). "FOLA announces debut album release date". NotJustOk. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  47. ^ Ray Chu (December 15, 2024). "FOLA – What a Feeling (Album Review)". Music Review World.
  48. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo. "Fola's 'Catharsis' is an emotive tale of ambition and desire [Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
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