With her pretty dreadlocks and Fuji-like voice, Fola has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most appealing pop-soul talents. From over a million streams for Lost with Kiz Daniel to 15 million plays for Who Would Do It with Bella Shmurda, his storytelling and emotional expression are what set him apart. In this diary-style interview, he reflects on his growth, his sound, and his future path.
His black dreadlocks prominently framed his face when he appeared on screen, with two thick hairs attached to the sides of his headband.
Fola, real name Folarin Odunlami, is one of the newest additions to the soul-oriented Nigerian pop stars, and is in frequent rotation. His just-released single “Lost (with Kizz Daniel)” racked up at least 1 million streams across popular streaming services just days after its release. And his most streamed song, “Who Does That (with Bella Shmurda),” has been played over 15 million times on Spotify alone. But beyond its growing popularity, Fola’s artistry shines through, especially with its storytelling and soulful sound.
His six-track EP, What A Feeling, also reflects on his life experiences of survival, resilience, and romance. His music continues to rise due to its emotional expression and relatable storytelling. The 25-year-old singer, signed to Bela Shmurda’s Dambana Republik, packs a distinctive Fujitone vocal signature richly woven into a fusion of pop-soul and Afrobeats.
In an interview with Guardian Music, the young musician peels back the layers of his journey from high school boy band to D’Anna Republik, working with Bela Shmurda and Kizz Daniel, creating soul-leaning fusion, his upcoming album, and his mission to continue making music like a dear hug from a friend.
A new jam with Kizz Daniel has been released, Lost. Please tell us how this song came about.
It was a beautiful process. I wasn’t even in the studio with him. I recorded my part and sent it to Kiz Daniel. Honestly, when he said he would jump on it, I didn’t think he would jump on it. I was skeptical, but a few days later he sent me a poem. I told the team about it and made plans to retire it. It was released on April 25th and reached nearly 1 million streams on Spotify in just two days, ending on April 27th. It’s crazy and beautiful at the same time.
So what’s the story behind Lost?
Lost is a story about the conflict of love. Love is sweet, but it also has its ups and downs. There are days when things don’t go well with your partner, and things aren’t always rosy. This song captures those moments, the true raw side of love.
How did you fall in love with music and decide to pursue it professionally?
Music is played in my family, but no one plays music professionally. My father plays the keyboard and my mother sometimes sings at church. I started singing in middle school, where I was in a four-piece band. After school, I stopped for a bit because I didn’t have the resources to continue. Then my cousin took me to Lagos and I started connecting with people. From there God took over and here we are.
Speaking of connections, tell us about your bromance with Bella Shmurda
I met Bela through Mohababad. They signed with the same management team at some point. When Bela came to see Mokhbad, I was always there, so we always passed each other. Then four years ago, I moved into an apartment in Lagos. Bella lived across the street from my apartment on the same property. We started seeing each other every day and our bond grew stronger from there.
Please tell us how you refined your sound.
As a kid, I focused on Naeto C, Wande Coal, and 2Baba. I was also listening to Wizkid. Their music was soulful and spoke to me. I wanted the music I make to be something that moves you emotionally every time you listen to it. That’s the kind of music I tried to make, that’s what I told myself.
What are your top two favorite songs from your own catalog?
Who can do it better? Those two are special to me.
Who else are you looking to collaborate with?
I have worked with almost everyone I wanted but I still have my eye on the big three of Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy. I would also like to work with Olamide.
What was your first release as a musician?
The first song we put out with the band was in 2014 or 2015. It was just a vibe, nothing too serious. I started releasing music as Fola in 2018 or 2019. Early songs included For Miss You featuring Mohbad, Ginger Me, Feeling and Money Chaser. It has had solid characteristics since then.
What is your creative process?
There is no set process. Music is a part of me. It happens naturally. I’ve been following your story and would like to note a thing or two. So there’s no real manual. Sometimes you want to hear the beat before you sing. Sometimes I want to go to the studio before singing. Sometimes when I want a beat sent to me, I write something in the bathroom. Sometimes I write alone in my room. Other days I just want to be on the road, so I don’t have a manual. When creativity is unleashed, it succeeds.
What is your most memorable creative session?
The Who Does That session was great. I told the producer what kind of beat I wanted, he played it, and the vibe fit perfectly. I recorded a little bit on my phone, wrote down a few lines, and went to the studio. I set up four or five bars and started freestyling from there. I can’t forget it because it was organic.
How did you build your confidence as a musician over time?
I always knew I had something special, but my confidence grew when I started receiving real streams and people were into my songs. The feedback from fans was, “Oh, you’re real!”
Do you stick to this sound or are you open to experimenting?
Certainly, I’m open to experimenting. I want to continue to evolve.
Should we expect any projects by the end of the year?
Well, I’m planning to release an album later this year. We have some beautiful songs and we have some guests on board. You’ll love it!
What is your favorite hobby other than music?
When I’m not making music, I’m watching soccer. That’s about me.
What do you do to relax after a long recording session?
I’m going to sleep. Music is like 9 to 5. Layering, tweaking, and perfecting is a lot of work. So after the session, just relax and let the process sink in.
Finally, what is your ultimate goal with your music?
I want to be a game changer and a preacher through music. I always want to make a difference. When my songs come on, I want people to feel something, like goosebumps or an emotion. If you feel that way, then I have achieved something.
