Nigerian singer FOLA‘s sophomore album, ‘9‘, is out now. The album includes a mix of familiar tracks and exciting collaborations that fans are eagerly anticipating. It features “Treat U Right” with Ayra Starr, “Attention!”, “Fine Ting (Fine $hit)”, and “It’s Over,” which includes contributions from Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.
FOLA also recently released “Miss U II (Nriri),” providing listeners with another preview of the project before the complete tracklist was revealed. Additionally, there are new collaborations such as “2am In Toronto” featuring Davido, “My Type” featuring BNXN, and “Hold U Down” featuring Darkoo.
‘9‘ follows FOLA’s 2025 debut album, Catharsis, and marks his next major chapter. The album title has a football reference at its centre, inspired by the classic number 9 striker whose job is to come through when the team needs a goal.
For FOLA, that becomes a fitting metaphor for the artist you call when you need a guaranteed hit. As an artist who has had an amazing run since his breakout, providing hit after hit, it is a fitting title for an album. FOLA has also expressed his appreciation for renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and music legend 2Baba for their contributions to his sophomore album, 9.
On the album’s second track, how many, FOLA samples a portion of Adichie’s Harvard speech, in which she reflects on the relationship between fear, self-doubt, and creativity.
“Procrastinating is a form of fear, and it is difficult to acknowledge fear. But the truth is that you cannot create anything of value without both self-doubt and self-belief,” she says in the excerpt.
The singer also samples 2Baba’s popular song, “If Love Is A Crime,” on crime, the 11th track on FOLA’s second album, paying homage to one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians and his enduring contribution to the country’s music scene.
