Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA has released his second studio album, ‘9’, featuring collaborations with Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.
The 14-track project, released on Friday, October 9, 2026, through Dangbana Republik and EMPIRE, combines Afrobeat and R&B influences, with contributions from several established Nigerian and international acts.
The album follows FOLA’s debut studio project, ‘Catharsis’, released in September 2025, and marks his latest release as he continues to build his presence in the Nigerian music industry.
Among the album’s collaborations are ‘2am In Toronto’ featuring Davido, ‘Treat U Right’ with Ayra Starr, ‘My Type’ featuring BNXN, and ‘Hold U Down’ with Darkoo.
FOLA also brings together Bella Shmurda and Zlatan on ‘It’s Over’, while other tracks on the album include ‘TB Awade’, ‘TB How Many’, ‘Stubborn’, ‘Miss U II (Nriri)’, ‘In Order’, ‘Attention’, ‘Fine Ting (Fine Shit)’, ‘Waf’ and ‘Crime’.
Speaking about the project ahead of its release, FOLA said it was made with musicians and collaborators whose work he values, adding that the songs reflect personal experiences.
“Made this one with some of my favourite instrumentalists, producers, and artists. Every song came from somewhere real, every detail meant something. 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. 9 is coming,” he said.
FOLA first gained wider attention with his 2022 single ‘Ginger Me’, featuring Bella Shmurda. His profile grew further in 2024 with ‘Alone’, featuring BhadBoi OML, which reached number seven on the UK Afrobeats Chart.
He followed the single with his debut extended play, ‘what a feeling’, in 2024. In 2026, his collaboration with Shoday, ‘Paparazzi’, reached number one on the Nigeria Top 100 chart.
With ‘9’, FOLA continues his progression from earlier releases while expanding his catalogue through collaborations across Afrobeats and contemporary R&B.
—By Ademide Adebayo
