Nigerian singer Fola has opened up about his remarkable transition from working as a Bet9ja cashier in Ibadan to becoming one of the country's emerging music stars. In a candid interview on the Tea With Tay podcast, Fola reflected on his humble beginnings and the dramatic changes in his life since his breakthrough.
From Bet9ja Cashier to Music Sensation
Fola recounted how his life transformed after his rise to fame. "I went home to Ibadan once, like four months after everything. That's where I came from, Bet9ja cashier. That's what people used to know me for in my area, not music. From that time to this time is mind blowing. Ibadan has crazy love for me," he said. The singer noted that stardom did not come as a surprise because his mother had always predicted he would become a star.
Early Motivation and Family Influence
Fola revealed that his initial motivation for making music was to attract girls in high school. He recalled a classmate in JS2 who used music to gain popularity, inspiring him to try. "There was a guy in JS2 that was always making music and getting girls. I wanted to do it but I didn't know I could do it. My brother was always writing rap then, so I copied his rap and went to school the next day. I did my own and everyone was clapping. Even the proprietor came. I said, 'Wow, I have to do this thing.'" He added that music runs in his family, with everyone singing during morning devotions.
Label Boss and Near Deal with Kizz Daniel
Fola also shared how his label boss and Dagbana Republik founder, Bella Shmurda, once introduced him to singer Kizz Daniel during discussions about a potential deal. "We wanted to do a deal and as part of doing the deal, he took me to Kizz Daniel. He liked me and wanted to sign me but it didn't work out," he revealed.
Avoiding Comparisons to Handle Pressure
Speaking on handling the pressures of the music industry, Fola said he intentionally avoids comparing himself with other artistes. "The one solution I have given myself is that I don't compare myself to anybody. Once I see peace, it's going. Sabi boy don't know pressure if you believe in yourself. How did you get all those things you got? I just believe in myself." He credited his family, especially his mother, for instilling confidence in him. "My mum always put the idea of being a star into me. She used to tell me that I'm going to be a star, I should just pray and be myself."
First Major Earnings and Family Support
Fola revealed that with his first major earnings, he bought his mother a piece of land in Ibadan, where she later built a church. "I got my mum a land, so I built my mum a church in Ibadan. She just started it two years ago. My parents and siblings are well," he said. He also noted that no one in his family has ever discouraged his music career, and his father even complimented his song "You."
Rise to Prominence
Fola rose to fame with his single "Alone" and has since collaborated with top artistes including Ayra Starr, Wizkid, BNXN, Zlatan, Victony, and DJ Tunez. On relationships, he described women who talk excessively as a major red flag.
