FOLA is set to drop his sophomore album, 9, on 9 October, marking a major milestone in his rising Afrobeats career. The highly anticipated project follows his 2025 debut, Catharsis, and features 14 tracks packed with star-studded collaborations and emotionally charged music. Fans have been given the full tracklist, revealing exciting features from top Nigerian and international artists including Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda, and Zlatan.
The album title 9 draws inspiration from football, symbolizing the number 9 striker—the player who delivers when the team needs a goal most. For FOLA, this represents his role as an artist who consistently delivers hits. He describes the project as deeply personal, crafted with his favourite producers and instrumentalists, each song rooted in real experiences and emotions. “Made this one with some of my favourite instrumentalists, producers, and artists. Every song came from somewhere real, every detail meant something,” he shared, adding, “Wherever you are, whatever you’re going through, it is my hope that when you hear it, this album finds you at the right time.”
Among the standout tracks is “Treat U Right” featuring Ayra Starr, which has already generated buzz with its official cover art showcasing both artists in vibrant red tones. Other fan-favourites like “Fine Ting (Fine $hit)” and “It’s Over” with Bella Shmurda and Zlatan are included, along with new releases such as “Miss U II (Nriri)”. The album also introduces fresh collaborations, including “2am In Toronto” with Davido, “My Type” with BNXN, and “Hold U Down” with Darkoo.
These songs blend Afropop, contemporary R&B, and Afrobeats rhythms, reflecting FOLA’s versatility and artistic growth. The tracklist reveals a mix of introspective lyrics, high-energy bangers, and romantic melodies, offering something for every listener. With multiple singles already in rotation and strong social media engagement, anticipation for the album continues to build.
As the release date approaches, fans across Nigeria and the global African diaspora are eagerly counting down. FOLA’s 9 promises not just a musical journey but a cultural moment, positioning him firmly among the leading voices in modern Afrobeats. The album’s arrival on 9 October could very well define the next chapter in his career.
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