FOLA scores with sophomore album '9'

Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA has released his second studio album, 9. The 14-track project follows his debut, Catharsis, and arrives as one of the most anticipated releases of the month.

The title is a football reference. In the number-nine shirt tradition, the nine is the striker, the player expected to finish chances. FOLA has said he sees himself in that role: the artist people turn to when they need a hit. That confidence runs through the rollout, which has been steady and deliberate.

Several singles came first, including Treat U Right featuring Ayra Starr, attention!, and fine ting (fine $hit). The most recent was it's over, collaborating with his label boss Bella Shmurda and rapper Zlatan. It was released on September 10, complemented with an official music video. The song is the album's outro.

Other records tied to the project add to the interest. Crime is reported to be a remake of 2Baba's 2006 classic If Love Is a Crime. WAF built a following on TikTok after an unreleased version leaked in May. Tracks such as 2am In Toronto featuring Davido, My Type featuring BNXN, and Hold U Down featuring Darkoo, add a doses of excitement to the album.

9 arrives with the benefit, and the pressure, of a strong debut. Catharsis crossed 100 million streams and spent weeks at No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 Albums chart. Since then FOLA has worked with Victony, Bella Shmurda and BNXN, and appeared alongside Davido and Mayorkun on B4 B4. With the new album out, listeners can judge whether the striker delivers.

Listen to 9 here.