Davido is on the team sheet, 2Baba gets a nod from the archives and three Super Eagles strikers are already cheering from the stands. FOLA’s second album is all about the finish.
In football, the number 9 belongs to the striker: the one who leads the line and scores when it matters most. FOLA, the Lagos singer nicknamed the “Stubborn Striker”, has built his new album around exactly that idea.
Released on Friday 9 October, 9 is a 14 track statement of intent from an artist who wants to lead the Afrobeats movement, not just be part of it. It is about consistency, focus and never missing on a record. There is even a track called “Stubborn”, in case anyone missed the memo.
The team sheet
Every great number 9 needs service. Davido links up with FOLA on “2am In Toronto”, Ayra Starr glides through “Treat U Right”, and BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan all make the squad. “Crime” tips its hat to 2Baba’s classic “If Love Is A Crime”, while a sample of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives the album real depth. It is rooted in Nigerian culture but aimed squarely at the world.
From Lagos prospect to world stage
FOLA broke through with “Ginger Me” in 2022, released his debut album Catharsis in 2025 and opened 2026 with a Nigerian number one in “Paparazzi”. This year he became the most nominated artist at the Headies with 10 nominations, and teamed up with Chelsea FC, the club he has supported since childhood.
Even the strikers are on board. In release week, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Odion Ighalo all urged fans to stream 9. When Super Eagles strikers past and present back your number 9, you know the concept has landed.
Full time
Success, as 9 sees it, is not luck. It is turning up, taking your chance and raising the bar every time. With this album FOLA has stepped up to take the big penalty, and the Stubborn Striker is not here to sit on the bench.
Davido is on the team sheet, 2Baba gets a nod from the archives and three Super Eagles strikers are already cheering from the stands. FOLA’s second album is all about the finish.
In football, the number 9 belongs to the striker: the one who leads the line and scores when it matters most. FOLA, the Lagos singer nicknamed the “Stubborn Striker”, has built his new album around exactly that idea.
Released on Friday 9 October, 9 is a 14 track statement of intent from an artist who wants to lead the Afrobeats movement, not just be part of it. It is about consistency, focus and never missing on a record. There is even a track called “Stubborn”, in case anyone missed the memo.
The team sheet
Every great number 9 needs service. Davido links up with FOLA on “2am In Toronto”, Ayra Starr glides through “Treat U Right”, and BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan all make the squad. “Crime” tips its hat to 2Baba’s classic “If Love Is A Crime”, while a sample of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives the album real depth. It is rooted in Nigerian culture but aimed squarely at the world.
From Lagos prospect to world stage
FOLA broke through with “Ginger Me” in 2022, released his debut album Catharsis in 2025 and opened 2026 with a Nigerian number one in “Paparazzi”. This year he became the most nominated artist at the Headies with 10 nominations, and teamed up with Chelsea FC, the club he has supported since childhood.
Even the strikers are on board. In release week, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Odion Ighalo all urged fans to stream 9. When Super Eagles strikers past and present back your number 9, you know the concept has landed.
Full time
Success, as 9 sees it, is not luck. It is turning up, taking your chance and raising the bar every time. With this album FOLA has stepped up to take the big penalty, and the Stubborn Striker is not here to sit on the bench.
9 by FOLA is out now. Stream it below.
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