How FOLA Made It in the Nigerian Music Scene

FOLA, OkayAfrica’s first Artist of the Month, sits down with Joey Akan for the newest episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, presented by Martell.

Their conversation goes all the way back to Ibadan, the betting shop, the pen and notepad days when nobody was watching. FOLA talks about locking in early, the people who believed in him when the gap felt impossible, and why he’s grateful that he committed to the process. 

From writing in private to watching crowds pay to see him live, FOLA breaks down how he selects records, works with his team, and even admits he sometimes pulls songs straight from his manager’s love life.

FOLA opens up about making his debut album, Catharsis — the emotional release that defined his arrival — and what it meant to link with artists like BNXN and Davido. 

This is a story of focus, process, and quiet persistence paying off.

Revisit our Artist of the Month profile on FOLA here.

Watch the full episode of Afrobeats Intelligence with FOLA below.

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