FOLA - catharsis (2025) Hi-Res

Nigerian new-generation artist FOLA, who is highly recognized, has finally released his debut studio album, "catharsis." This project, which combines Afro-pop and afrobeat, demonstrates FOLA's exceptional talent and creativity and positions him as one of Nigeria's most promising musicians.

In "catharsis," FOLA creates a truly captivating musical experience by deftly combining his unique style, catchy lyrics, and enticing tunes. The 11-track album is a collection of songs that straddle the boundary between romantic utopia and heartbroken pain, while also acknowledging the kind of commitment he believes is necessary to overcome obstacles in life.

Notably, Kizz Daniel, Victony, Young Jonn & Gabzy, four well-known Nigerian Afrobeat musicians, contributed to the album. Their superb verses are the right accompaniment to FOLA's powerful energy and vocals.

In conclusion, FOLA is a rising star, and "catharsis" is a project you simply must have on your playlist. Watch FOLA continue to forge his own path to fame and make significant strides in the music industry.

FOLA says that when he started to put together the songs that would form the backbone of catharsis a little over a year before its release he wasn’t necessarily en route to making any kind of career-defining statement. “To be frank, nothing was going on in my life at that time,” he tells Apple Music. “Being the kind of person that I am, I just always like to record, even if I am going to put them out or not, even if I have a rollout plan or not. I just love to always have stuff down. I always like to work, so when the time comes to make everything work, it will all be in place.”

That ability to let the vibes guide him gifted FOLA a suite of songs that blur the line between utopian romance and lovelorn anguish, while also nodding towards the kind of dedication he sees as imperative to overcoming life’s challenges. He’s paying homage to the legendary hustle and bustle of Lagos on “eko,” unpacking feeling untethered in the context of a relationship on Kizz Daniel collab, “lost,” and then laying out the effects of a former partner’s absence in his life in “caricature.”

For all the unbridled emotion he delivers on catharsis, FOLA was sure to build bridges toward relief and resolution where he could. It’s something he hopes others will find in the music as well. “This album is like building a soul hospital, looking for something to cleanse and repair your soul,” he says. “I want people to listen to these songs and let go of their worries. I want people to do more after listening to these songs.” Below, FOLA talks us through the key tracks from catharsis.