Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA has opened up about his journey from writing songs privately with little attention to becoming an increasingly recognised name in Nigeria’s Afrobeats and Afro-R&B space.
In a recent episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, hosted by Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, FOLA reflected on the early stages of his career, his time in Ibadan, the betting-shop environment that formed part of his journey, and the period when a pen and notepad were his primary creative tools. The episode, released on September 25, 2026, is presented by OkayAfrica and sponsored by Martell.
The conversation offers a personal look at the discipline and persistence behind FOLA's rise. Rather than focusing solely on the visibility that comes with success, the singer revisits the years when he was developing his craft away from the spotlight and acknowledges the people who continued to believe in him when the distance between ambition and achievement appeared significant.
For FOLA, the journey has ultimately been about committing to the process. His story moves from writing songs when nobody was watching to performing for audiences willing to spend their money to experience his music live.
During the conversation, he also discusses the creative decisions behind his records, including how he chooses songs and collaborates with his team. In one revealing detail, FOLA explains that some of his songwriting inspiration can come from unexpected places, including experiences connected to his manager's romantic life.
At the centre of the discussion is Catharsis, FOLA's debut studio album, released on September 4, 2025 through Dangbana Republik and EMPIRE. The project marked a major stage in his development, translating personal experiences, emotions and ambition into a cohesive body of work.
The album's title reflects its emotional character. Catharsis explores themes of love, vulnerability, heartbreak and the realities of pursuing a career in contemporary Nigeria. BellaNaija described the 11-track project as a diary-like musical journey that captures love stories, heartbreak and Lagos hustle.
The project also brought FOLA into collaboration with established names in Nigerian music. His broader Catharsis era included collaborations with artists such as BNXN and Davido, while the album itself featured artists including Victony, Kizz Daniel and Gabzy.
Commercially, Catharsis became an important milestone in his career. Reports following its release said the album opened at No. 1 on Spotify Nigeria's weekly chart and later appeared on the Billboard World Albums chart.
FOLA's official catalogue now includes What a Feeling, Catharsis and subsequent releases, while his 2026 schedule has expanded to international performances, including dates associated with the Catharsis World Tour.
Ultimately, the Afrobeats Intelligence conversation presents FOLA's story as one of gradual development rather than overnight success: a journey that began with a young songwriter, a pen and notepad, and the willingness to keep creating before the crowds arrived.
From Ibadan and the early days of writing in private to building an audience that now pays to see him perform, FOLA's journey demonstrates how persistence, creative ownership and patience can shape an artist's evolution.
As he continues defining his sound and career on his own terms, Catharsis stands as a significant chapter in that ongoing story.
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