In the supersonic, often unforgiving world of Afrobeats, a breakout year is one thing. A debut album that redefines your trajectory is another. FOLA, the prodigious Nigerian singer-songwriter, has just achieved that, as his debut studio album, “Catharsis,” has officially soared past 100 million streams on Spotify.
It’s a milestone that solidifies his transition from promising signee to bona fide star.
The artist, known for his introspective lyrics and smooth melodies, shared the news with a characteristic blend of gratitude and humility. “Thank you for 100 million on Spotify,” he posted to his fans, adding, “Thank You God For Keeping Things Running Smoothly.” That smooth run he speaks of has been less of a gentle stream and more of a tidal wave of success, meticulously built since his introduction to the world.
Fola
FOLA’s journey to this moment was turbocharged in 2024 when he was unveiled as the new signee to Bella Shmurda‘s influential Dangbana Republik label. He quickly followed up with a commercially successful debut EP, “What a Feeling,” signaling that a major new talent had arrived. But it was the 2025 release of “Catharsis” that truly began his coronation.
Released on September 4, 2025, under the Dangbana Republik and EMPIRE banners, “Catharsis” was an 11-track statement of intent. The rollout was a masterclass in building anticipation. It began in April with the lead single “Lost,” a powerful collaboration with the heavyweight Kizz Daniel that immediately signaled FOLA’s arrival in the big leagues. He followed it with the solo anthem “You” in August and the infectious “Eko” just days before the album’s drop.
The 28-minute album, featuring a curated list of collaborators including Victony, Gabzy, and Young Jonn, was not just a commercial project; it was an artistic deep-dive. It drew from a sonic village of top-tier producers like Kel-P, Damie, L.O.L., and Sbthaproducer, who all helped craft its unique sound.
The album’s title, “Catharsis,” proved deeply fitting. It resonated with critics who found a new, emotionally resonant voice in FOLA. While some, like Pulse Nigeria’s Adeayo Adebiyi, felt its focused sound bordered on “predictability,” the overwhelming consensus was that this was a monumental debut. Philemon Jacob of African Folder perfectly described it as “a clear stamp in the incredible moment Fola is having, a breakout year that would be remembered fondly in history.” Perhaps the most poetic praise came from The Upper Entertainment’s Bomi Anifowose, who called the album, “An imperfect, brilliant, and necessary debut that expands Afrobeats’ emotional vocabulary.”
Expanding Afrobeats’ emotional vocabulary while racking up 100 million streams is the dual victory FOLA is celebrating today. He has proven that vulnerability can have massive commercial appeal and that a Nigerian artist, with the right team and undeniable talent, can make a global impact right from the start. “Catharsis”, a hundred-million-stream testament to a new star’s arrival.
