In Nigeria, every year feels like a fresh wave in the Afrobeats ocean, one new artist pops up, catches a vibe, and suddenly everyone’s playlist is on repeat. The competition is crazy, the hustle is deep, and the story is almost always the same: raw talent meets tough reality.
Most of these artists have been grinding since secondary school, studio nights, free shows, recording in tight corners with friends, all for that one big break. But only a small percentage ever get to taste fame. And even when they do, some barely cross their state borders.
Still, Afrobeats never stops evolving.
Here’s how the recent waves rolled out:
2020 → Omah Lay, Fireboy, Joeboy
2021 → Ayra Starr, Mohbad, Black Sherif
2022 → Asake, Seyi Vibez
2023 → Shallipopi, ODUMODUBLVCK
And then came 2024 → Fola.
At first, his name moved quietly around the streets of Lagos, small performances, snippets on TikTok, and a few reposts from Bellashmurda’s Dangbana Republic label.
But by mid-2024, that quiet noise had turned into a real movement. People started asking, “Who’s this Fola guy?”
By the time the year wrapped, the answer was clear, Fola wasn’t just another upcoming artist; he was the 2024 breakout. His sound carried that mix of street grit and soul emotion, blending Afro-R&B melodies with a Lagos-boy vibe that made his songs both deep and danceable.
He had the confidence of a street boy but the voice of a star. His energy felt different, cool, spiritual, and confident, like someone who’s not rushing fame but knows it’s already his.
And even when everyone expected 2025 to belong fully to Dapper’s Tml Vibez and Muyeez, Fola reminded us that the music scene is unpredictable. You can’t plan a wave—it just happens, and when it does, you either surf it or get swept under.
Meet Fola (Folarin Odunlami)
Born in 2001, Folarin “Fola” Odunlami is a Lagos-based singer-songwriter redefining the new Afro-R&B era. His sound blends African rhythms, soft percussion, and emotional storytelling, music that feels personal yet powerful.
After his breakout EP What a Feeling, Fola started building momentum with relatable songs about hustle, love, and growth. Then came Catharsis, his debut album, a pure mix of introspection and rhythm that proved he wasn’t just another street artist; he was a full-on creative force.
He’s currently signed under Dangbana Republic, the same label run by Bellashmurda, and has quickly become the label’s biggest next-gen artist.
Quick Stats (as of late 2025)
- Followers: 1.47M
- Streams: 427M+
- Playlists: 1,715
- Playlist Reach: 36.4M
- Charts: 308
- Shazams: 3.24M
- Videos: 1M+
- Total Views: 606M+
Why Fola Stands Out
Fola doesn’t chase trends, he builds moments. His delivery has that effortless vibe, mixing soulful vocals with the streetwise tone of a Lagos dreamer.
He sings like someone who’s seen both sides of the city,the beauty and the grind and that’s why people connect with him.
His collabs have started drawing attention both locally and internationally, with names like Kareem Mobolaji, Nicole Dupuis, and Patrick Oyeyiola in his circle.
Fola represents balance, between street and soft, between hustle and calm. That’s why his fanbase keeps growing daily.
2024 may have introduced him, but 2025 is shaping up to be the year Fola stamps his name across Afrobeat history.
