FOLA (Odunlami Afolarin Temiloluwa) is yet another fast-rising musician to look out for as he has made his mark since the release of his single, “alone” featuring BhadBoi OML. Surely he's on the path to being a force to reckon with as “alone” peaked at No. 7 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 chart and is currently enjoying its ninth week on the chart. The remix, featuring BNXN, performed even better, it peaked at No. 4 and has spent six weeks on the Official Nigerian Top 100 chart. With over 14 million on-demand streams, the remix showcases FOLA’s potential as a promising artiste in the industry.
FOLA started out with tracks such as “Miss You”, “Money Chaser”, “Feeling”, and “Ginger Me”. When spoken to, he reflected on the “alone” song and described it as the ‘perfect song’ because he knew it would resonate with listeners and it evidently did so. On the 11th of October 2024, renowned singer and songwriter, Bella Shmurda announced FOLA’s signing to his record label, Dagbana Republik. While the artiste’s discography is still growing, he’s confidently declaring his mission to make an impact with his debut EP, ‘what a feeling’ set for release on December 6th, 2024. He promises the project will be another great addition to his discography. With a record deal, a hit single, and an eagerly anticipated debut EP, FOLA is set to become a prominent talent in Nigerian music.
During our interview with FOLA, he spoke about his prowess, artistic approach to successful collaborations, and visions behind the upcoming project, ‘what a feeling’.
TTC: This year is a whole different experience in your music journey. How do you feel about the heights you’ve achieved so far?
FOLA: I feel great. It’s beautiful watching people sing songs written in the corner of my room word for word. I’m super grateful to God, to my fans, and to everyone who has been supporting me. I don’t take their love for granted. I was at a show the other day and they didn’t even let me sing the words. The crowd's voice was louder than the speakers— it was crazy.
TTC: You go by the name FOLA, also known as Folapondis. Can you tell us the story behind your name?
FOLA: There’s no special story behind my name. My actual name is FOLARIN. For me what’s actually special is my name, I never felt I needed anything else or to beat around the bush. So yeah, “FOLA” is special. I also go by the name “Folapondis” especially on my socials which is still FOLA. Let me break it down “Folapondis” means “Fola on this”.
TTC: So, the “alone” track was a jumpstart for many other remixes, what would you say stood out for you while creating this song?
FOLA: I started out trying to write it as a favor for a friend but when I listened well omo I knew I had to keep this one for myself. I just had that feeling. To even go in deeper, there were a thousand and one reasons why it shouldn’t have come out when it did, but I went against everything to ensure it came out. I didn’t know how far it would go, but deep down, I just knew I had to put out this record. The rest is history.
TTC: There’s the “alone (Remix)” with BNXN and the original track with BhadBoi OML. Can you share some behind-the-scenes moments from creating these collaborations?
FOLA: I initially had no plans for a feature, I recorded my part first and dropped a teaser on my IG. I think BhadBoi OML loved it and reached out, that’s God’s plan! Shout out to Bhadboi OML, he went crazy on it. We actually had plans to make something different together but “alone” turned out perfect, we made magic.
For the remix, BNXN’s part came in the sweetest way. He posted a couple of times on his socials, vibing to “alone”, showing love and even pushing his fans to check out the song. I feel “alone” was probably his favorite song at the time. So, I just summoned the courage and reached out to him about doing the remix. At first, there was radio silence, he then reached out and sent his fire verse in less than 24 hours after getting it. That’s real love there and he always has my love and respect.
TTC: The deal you signed with Bella Shmurda to Dagbana Republik record label was out of the blue and also another major turnaround in your career. How did that play out and would you say it influences the trajectory of your career?
FOLA: You know the relationship and deal I have with Bella Shmurda is way beyond business, he’s family, a big brother.
He’s such a great guy! I’ve known him for a long time, before the deal and he’s always been real and supportive. He’s been putting me on way before the deal.
TTC: You have your debut EP, ‘what a feeling’ on the way. Can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from it and share in detail what the entire package is about?
FOLA: I’m one artiste who likes to connect with the soul. I make music from my soul that connects with you on a different level. I guess that’s what makes “alone” so special. More than anything, I want you to get goosebumps when you listen to my music. The EP projects different feelings. I know you’re going to love it.
TTC: Are there any notable collaborations or features on ‘what a feeling’ that you’re excited about?
FOLA: Everything! Everyone went crazy, from Bella Shmurda to BNXN and Magixx to Bhadboi OML. I’m really excited about it all.
TTC: Being a new artiste often comes with high expectations. Do you feel that pressure, and how does it affect your productivity or creative process?
FOLA: I don’t feel any pressure. I won’t lie, I know say e dey body, so why pressurize myself?
TTC: Consistency is key in this industry. How do you plan to stay on that track?
FOLA: I’m fully locked and loaded, been waiting on this moment. I’m even having to pace myself so I don’t put out too much or do too much. You know timing is important. I came prepared.
TTC: What are your biggest dreams and attainable levels you desire for your music? What should we expect from you in the weeks, months, or even years to come?
FOLA: I’m living out my dreams already. Seeing people pay their hard-earned money in this current Nigeria to see me perform, seeing people streaming my music in the millions, seeing people sing my lyrics word for word. This is the dream! Definitely, as an artiste and a performer, I want to do it at the highest level, you know in the biggest stadiums and the biggest stages, but I go to bed thanking God because the dream is clear. This is it. My debut EP, ‘what a feeling’ drops on the 6th of December. Right now, I’m focused on pushing it to the ends of the world. Long term, I would say just watch and see, I’m locked in.