With natty dreadlocks and a Fuji-tinged voice, Fola has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most compelling pop-soul talents. From million-plus streams of Lost with Kizz Daniel to 15 million plays of Who Does That with Bella Shmurda, his storytelling and emotive delivery mark him out. In this diary-style interview, he reflects on his rise, his sound, and the journey ahead.

His dark dreadlocks stood out, framing his face as he appeared on screen, with two thick locks flanking his headband.

Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, is among the new brigade of soul-leaning Nigerian pop stars in heavy rotation. His just-released single, Lost (with Kizz Daniel), raked in at least a million song-plays across popular streaming services, in only a few days after release. And his most-streamed song, Who Does That (with Bella Shmurda) has over 15 million song-plays on Spotify alone. However, beyond his rising popularity, Fola’s artistry glows especially for its storytelling and soulful sound.

His six-track EP, What A Feeling, also introspects his life experiences with survival, resilience, and romance. His music continues to soar with emotive delivery and relatable storytelling. Signed to Bella Shmurda’s Dangbana Republik, the 25-year-old singer packs a unique Fuji-toned vocal signature, richly woven within Pop-Soul Afrobeats fusions.

Catching up with Guardian Music, the young musician peels back layers on his journey, from a high-school boy band to Dangbana Republik, working with Bella Shmurda and Kizz Daniel, crafting Soul-leaning fusions, his forthcoming album, and his mission to keep creating music that feels like a friend’s dear embrace.

You’ve got a new jam with Kizz Daniel out now, Lost. Tell us about how the song came about.
It was a beautiful process. We weren’t even in the studio together. I recorded my part and sent it to Kizz Daniel. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d jump on it when he said he would. I was sceptical, but a few days later, he sent me his verse. I told my team, and we made plans to drop it. We released it [on] April 25, and in just two days by April 27, we had hit about a million streams on Spotify. It’s crazy and beautiful at the same time.

So, what’s the story behind Lost?

Lost is about the struggles of love. Love is sweet, but it has its ups and downs. Some days you’re not on good terms with your partner, and it’s not always rosy. The song captures those moments—the real, raw side of love.

How did you fall in love with music and decide to do it professionally?

Music runs in my family, though nobody does it professionally. My dad plays the keyboard, and my mum sings in church sometimes. I started singing in junior secondary level, where I was in a four-man band. After school, I stopped for a bit because I didn’t have the resources to continue. Then a cousin brought me to Lagos, and I started linking up with people. From there, God took over, and here we are.

Speaking of connections, tell us about the bromance between you and Bella Shmurda

I met Bella through Mohbad. They were signed to the same management at some point. I was always around when Bella came to see Mohbad, so we kept crossing paths. Then, four years ago, I moved into an apartment in Lagos, and Bella was living in the same compound, opposite my flat. We started seeing each other every day, and the bond grew stronger from there.

Tell us how you honed your sound

Growing up, I was heavy on Naeto C, Wande Coal, and 2Baba. I was also listening to Wizkid. Their music was soulful, and it spoke to me. I wanted the kind of music I make to put you in your feelings whenever you listen. That’s the kind of music I set out to make, and it’s just something I told myself.

What are your top two favourite songs from your own catalogue?

Who Does That and Get Better. Those two are special to me.

Who else is on your radar for collabs?

I’ve worked with most of the people I wanted to, but I’m still eyeing the big three: Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. I also want to work with Olamide.

What were your earliest releases as a musician?

The first song we put out with the band was in 2014 or 2015. It was just vibes, nothing too serious. I started releasing music as Fola in 2018 or 2019. Some of those early songs were For Miss You featuring Mohbad, Ginger Me, Feeling, and Money Chaser. I had some solid features even back then.

What’s your creative process?

I don’t have a fixed process. Music is part of me; it comes naturally. As I dey follow you talk, I fit don dey jot down one or two things. So it’s not like there’s an actual manual for it. Sometimes, I want to listen to the beat before I sing. Other times, I want to go to the studio before I sing. Sometimes I just want you to send me the beat, and I would write something out in my toilet. Sometimes, I am alone in my room when I write. Other days, I just want to be by the roadside, so there’s no manual to it. When the creativity hits, it hits.

What’s been your most memorable creative session?

The session for Who Does That was amazing. I told my producer the kind of beat I wanted, and when he played it, the vibe just clicked. I recorded a bit on my phone, jotted down a few lines, and went to the studio. I laid down four or five bars, then started freestyling from there. It was organic, and I won’t forget it.

How did you build your confidence as a musician over time?

I always knew I had something special, but the confidence cemented when I started getting real streams, and people went crazy for my songs. That feedback from fans was like, “Omo, you’re for real!”

Are you sticking to this sound, or are you open to experimenting?

For sure, I’m open to experimenting. I want to keep evolving.

Should we be expecting any projects before the year ends?
Yeah, I’m planning to drop my album later this year. It’s got some beautiful songs, and I’ve got a couple of guests on it. You’re gonna love it.

Apart from music, what are your favourite hobbies?

When I’m not making music, I’m watching football. That’s my thing.

After a long recording session, what do you do to unwind?

I sleep. Music is like a 9-to-5. It’s a lot of work—layering, tweaking, perfecting. So after a session, I just chill and let the process sink in.

Finally, what’s the ultimate goal for your music?

I want to be a game-changer, a preacher through my music. I want to always make a difference. When my song comes on, I want you to feel something — goosebumps, emotions. If I can make you feel that, I’ve achieved something.