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The Nigerian rising star reflected on healing, heartbreak, and spiritual grounding in a September 2025 conversation with Nandi Madida. On September 5, 2025, Africa Now Radio returned with another culture-shaping episode as host Nandi Madida sat down with Nigerian Afrobeats talent FOLA. Broadcast globally on Apple Music 1, the FaceTime interview coincided with FOLA’s single “golibe” and deeper conversations around his debut album catharsis, a project rooted in emotional release and spiritual intention.

Here’s how the interview went!

The Meaning Behind catharsis

For FOLA, catharsis represents emotional clarity.

“It means a huge relief from strong emotions. It really means freedom,” he explained.“After listening to catharsis, I want people to normalize being able to feel something. It’s okay to let go. It’s okay to bounce back from ups and downs.”

He described the project as “like a doctor to the soul” — even calling it a “soul clinic,” positioning the album as therapeutic rather than purely commercial.

On Writing “You” in South Africa

FOLA revealed that his love record “You” came from observation rather than personal experience.

“When I wrote it, I wasn’t in love — but my manager was in love. So I was copying and pasting his life!” he said with a laugh.

The track’s simplicity — “You are the one I love, you are the one I trust” — captures Afrobeats romanticism in its purest form.

“Eko” as a Spiritual Reflection

With “Eko,” FOLA turns introspective.

“‘Eko’ tells my story. It’s about living to feed home, the struggles of life, the day-to-day activities,” he shared.“It’s asking about God’s blessings. You need it to kickstart your day.”

The record underscores a recurring theme in his artistry: faith as foundation.

Collaborating With Kizz Daniel on “Lost”

FOLA also discussed teaming up with Kizz Daniel for “Lost,” a song that flips the typical Afrobeats love narrative.

“Everyone talks about the good part of love. No one talks about the ups and downs — when you cry, when your guy is ghosting you,” he said.“‘Lost’ is about being lost in love and lost in your thoughts.”

The collaboration, long anticipated, signals FOLA’s arrival in Nigeria’s upper tier of melody-driven storytelling.

On Touring and What’s Next

With catharsis out, FOLA confirmed plans for a multi-city tour, promising details soon. The momentum, he suggests, is only beginning.

Why Music Is His Lifelong Purpose

FOLA’s connection to music began in church.

“I got into music on Sunday mornings — morning devotions,” he reflected.“I joined my mom in the choir a couple of times but I was always running away from it. But music arrested me at the end of the day.”

Now, the mission feels singular.

“I don’t know how to do anything else. I just want to sing. What should I be doing if I’m not releasing music?”

A Debut Rooted in Healing

Looking back, FOLA’s Africa Now Radio appearance framed him as part of a new wave of emotionally articulate Afrobeats artists, artists unafraid to center vulnerability, faith, and healing within rhythm. With catharsis, FOLA positions himself not just as a hitmaker, but as a curator of emotional release, building what he calls a “soul clinic” for listeners navigating life’s chaos.