Rising Star FOLA’s Debut ‘catharsis’ Crosses 100 Million Spotify Streams
Nigerian singer-songwriter Fola has achieved a massive career milestone as his debut studio album, catharsis, officially surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.
This marks a major turning point in the young artist’s career and cements his place among the next generation of Afrobeats heavyweights.
FOLA, whose full name is Folarin Odunlami, has been steadily building momentum over the past few years. Signed under the influential label Dangbana Republik, he gained early attention through a series of singles and collaborations that showcased both his vocal strength and lyrical maturity. Before releasing catharsis, FOLA dropped an EP titled What a Feeling in December 2024, a project that hinted at his creative depth and ability to blend contemporary Afro-R&B with street-pop rhythms.
Released in early September 2025, catharsis is an 11-track body of work that FOLA describes as a “soul hospital”, a project designed to cleanse, heal, and inspire. The album weaves together elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and soft percussion-driven pop, resulting in a sound that is both introspective and rhythmically engaging. The record features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Kizz Daniel on “Lost,” Victony on “Golibe,” Young Jonn on “Disco,” and Gabzy on “Robbery.” Each collaboration adds a unique layer to the emotional and sonic texture of the album.
One of the standout tracks, “You,” released ahead of the album in August 2025, became a breakout single that set the tone for the project’s success. From its release, catharsis resonated deeply with listeners. In its first week alone, the album recorded over 10.6 million Spotify streams in Nigeria, a record-breaking debut for a new artist. Within just a few months, it climbed to the top of Apple Music Nigeria’s album chart, while “You” simultaneously dominated the singles chart.
Surpassing 100 million streams is a particularly significant achievement for FOLA, not only because it marks his arrival on the global stage, but also because it places him among the most-streamed Nigerian debut albums of 2025. In fact, catharsis currently ranks as the eighth most-streamed Nigerian project of the year on Spotify. This rapid rise underscores how far Nigerian music has come in terms of streaming power and international reach.
For FOLA, the accomplishment is a validation of both artistic authenticity and strategic vision. His decision to focus on emotional depth, rather than chasing formulaic party hits shows that today’s audiences crave sincerity and storytelling. The album’s title, catharsis, perfectly encapsulates its purpose: an emotional release through sound. In a recent interview, FOLA explained that the project came from “a place of healing and reflection,” an attempt to turn personal growth into shared experience. That honesty is likely what has kept fans returning to his music long after release week.
The success of catharsis also speaks volumes about the growing diversity of the Afrobeats soundscape. While the genre remains dominated by high-energy anthems, artists like FOLA are expanding its emotional and musical boundaries. His blend of introspection, soul, and urban rhythm represents a new kind of Afrobeats artistry, one that’s intimate yet universal.
Looking ahead, FOLA’s trajectory appears bright. With catharsis now a streaming powerhouse, industry observers anticipate a major tour announcement and potential collaborations with international artists. The momentum could also lead to brand partnerships and increased visibility across Africa, the UK, and the US, all key markets for emerging Afrobeats acts.
More importantly, FOLA’s story is a testament to how rapidly new talent can rise in today’s streaming-driven industry. From the first EP to a 100-million-stream debut album in less than a year, he has demonstrated both staying power and star potential. His ascent mirrors the broader evolution of Nigerian music: bold, global, and increasingly impossible to ignore.
As catharsis continues to climb charts and reach new listeners worldwide, one thing is clear, FOLA’s journey is just beginning, and Afrobeats has found yet another voice capable of defining its next era.
