Fola’s Shocking First Day in Lagos
Afrobeats singer Folarin Odunlami, better known as Fola, has opened up about a dramatic experience that nearly made him abandon his music career.
The ‘Alone’ crooner revealed that on the very day he relocated to Lagos in 2018 to pursue music, he was arrested and forced to spend the night in a police station.
“I Almost Gave Up” — Fola
Speaking in a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Fola described the incident as deeply discouraging.
“The very first day I came to Lagos, I was arrested. I slept at the police station. It was a long story. I don’t want to remember it. I almost gave up,” he said.
The singer explained that adjusting to Lagos life was difficult at first, but his resilience and determination kept him focused on his dreams.
“I relocated to Lagos in 2018 to pursue my music career. It has been rough. I wasn’t born here, so it was so hard at first. But I have adapted to both the living conditions and the hustle,” Fola added.
Rise to Fame with Bella Shmurda’s Dagbani Republik
Despite the rocky start, Fola’s breakthrough came when he was signed to Bella Shmurda’s Dagbani Republik in October 2024.
Since then, he has risen as one of Afrobeats’ promising voices, gaining attention with his hit track ‘Alone’ and building collaborations with industry heavyweights like Wizkid and Kizz Daniel.
From Setback to Stardom
Fola’s story is a reminder of the struggles many young artists face when moving to Lagos in search of opportunities. From nearly giving up after his arrest to now sharing stages with Afrobeats giants, his resilience has defined his journey.
