Nigerian singer and songwriter FOLA has unveiled his highly anticipated second studio album, “9,” a 14-track project that follows his debut album, Catharsis. The new release marks another major step in his musical journey, bringing together previously released singles, fresh records, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry.

The album's title, 9, is inspired by football's iconic number-nine jersey, traditionally worn by a team's main striker. FOLA draws a connection between the role of a striker and his position as an artist who consistently delivers hit songs to his listeners. The concept reflects his confidence and ambition as he looks to build on the success of his previous project.

Leading up to the album's release, FOLA dropped several singles to give fans a taste of what to expect. These include “Treat U Right” featuring Ayra Starr, “attention!,” and “fine ting (fine $hit).” He also released “it's over,” featuring Bella Shmurda and Zlatan, on September 10. The song closes the album and arrived alongside an official music video.

Beyond the singles, 9 includes several tracks that have already attracted attention from listeners. “Crime” is reported to be a remake of 2Baba's 2006 classic, “If Love Is a Crime,” while “WAF” gained popularity on TikTok after an unreleased version surfaced online in May.

The album's guest list further strengthens its appeal, with Davido featuring on “2am In Toronto,” BNXN appearing on “My Type,” and Darkoo joining FOLA on “Hold U Down.” The collaborations bring different musical styles to the project and add to the excitement surrounding the release.

FOLA enters this new chapter with considerable expectations following the success of Catharsis. His debut album surpassed 100 million streams and spent several weeks at the top of the Official Nigeria Top 100 Albums chart, establishing him as one of the emerging artists to watch in Nigerian music.

He has also continued to expand his network through collaborations with artists such as Victony, Bella Shmurda, and BNXN. His appearance alongside Davido and Mayorkun on “B4 B4” has further strengthened his growing presence in the industry.

With 9 now available, FOLA aims to maintain his upward trajectory and deliver another memorable body of work. The 14-track album combines his evolving sound with notable collaborations, giving fans plenty to explore as he continues to develop his artistry.

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