Nigerian singer FOLA has officially returned with 9, his second studio album and follow-up to his breakout debut, Catharsis.
The 14-track project brings together a mix of solo records and high-profile collaborations, marking another important step in his growing career.
The album’s title draws inspiration from football, where the number nine shirt is traditionally worn by a team’s main striker. FOLA has embraced that comparison, positioning himself as the hitmaker expected to deliver when it matters. With 9, he puts that confidence to the test.
Ahead of the release, FOLA gradually introduced listeners to the project through a series of singles. These included Treat U Right featuring Ayra Starr, attention!, and fine ting (fine $hit). He later joined forces with Bella Shmurda and Zlatan on it’s over, released on September 10 alongside an official music video. The collaboration also serves as the album’s closing track.
Beyond the singles, a few records have already generated interest. Crime reportedly reworks elements of 2Baba’s 2006 classic, If Love Is a Crime, while WAF gained traction online after an unreleased version surfaced on TikTok in May.
The album also boasts an impressive guest list. Davido appears on 2am In Toronto, BNXN features on My Type, and Darkoo joins FOLA on Hold U Down. These collaborations bring different voices into the project while giving listeners more reasons to explore the full tracklist.
Still, 9 arrives with expectations attached. FOLA’s debut album, Catharsis, surpassed 100 million streams and spent several weeks at the top of the Official Nigeria Top 100 Albums chart, helping establish him as one of the artists to watch in the Nigerian music scene.
Since then, he has continued building his catalogue through collaborations with artists including Victony, Bella Shmurda and BNXN. His appearance alongside Davido and Mayorkun on B4 B4 further strengthened his profile.
Now that 9 is out, the focus shifts to what FOLA does next. With a successful debut behind him and an album packed with collaborations and previously teased records, he has another opportunity to show that he can consistently deliver the hits his growing audience expects.
Listen to the “9” album HERE