Nigerian singer FOLA has released his 14-track sophomore album, 9, featuring Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan, as he takes another major step in his Afropop career.

Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA has officially released his highly anticipated second studio album, 9, bringing together some of the biggest names in contemporary Afrobeats for a 14-track project that explores love, ambition, personal growth and the singer’s rising profile in the music industry.

Released on Friday, October 9, 2026, through Dangbana Republik Records and EMPIRE, the album follows his 2025 debut project, Catharsis, and marks another important chapter in his musical journey.

The project features collaborations with Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan, combining FOLA’s melodic approach to Afropop and R&B with contributions from established Nigerian hitmakers and the British-Nigerian singer Darkoo.

According to the album listing on Apple Music, 9 contains 14 songs with a total runtime of approximately 39 minutes. The release brings together previously released singles and new records designed to give listeners a broader picture of FOLA’s evolving sound.

FOLA’s ‘9’ Album Makes Early Chart Impact

The album has already attracted attention on Apple Music Nigeria following its release.

According to an early chart report published by HypeTribe on Friday morning, all 14 tracks from 9 had entered Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100 songs chart by 8:52 a.m. The report subsequently listed the album at No. 1 on the platform’s Nigerian albums chart at 9:53 a.m., ahead of Seyi Vibez’s SWAGUU.

The early performance points to significant listener interest in the project, although chart positions can change throughout the day and should not be confused with cumulative streaming figures or official sales certifications.

The album’s release also benefits from the popularity of several songs introduced to listeners before the full project arrived, including Attention!, Treat U Right and Fine Ting (Fine $hit).

Why FOLA Named His Album ‘9’

The album’s title draws inspiration from football, where the number-nine shirt is traditionally associated with a centre-forward or striker whose responsibility is to convert chances into goals.

FOLA connects the concept to his confidence as an artiste, positioning himself as a singer capable of delivering records that connect with listeners.

The football reference also gives the project a unifying identity, framing the album as a statement of ambition and a declaration of his intention to establish himself more firmly within the competitive Afrobeats landscape.

Rather than relying exclusively on guest appearances, the project includes solo records that allow FOLA to showcase his songwriting, vocal delivery and personal perspective.

The opening tracks, Awade and How Many?, introduce the album before Davido joins him on 2AM in Toronto, one of the project’s most prominent collaborations.

Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN Lead Star-Studded Collaborations

One of the biggest talking points surrounding 9 is its impressive guest lineup.

Davido features on 2AM in Toronto, while Ayra Starr joins FOLA on Treat U Right. BNXN appears on My Type, and Darkoo contributes to Hold U Down.

Bella Shmurda and Zlatan appear together on It’s Over, the album’s closing track.

The collaborations bring different musical identities to the project, giving FOLA opportunities to connect with the audiences of artists whose work spans Afropop, Afrobeats, melodic R&B and Nigerian street-pop.

The guest appearances are spread across the album rather than concentrated in a single section, allowing FOLA to retain the central role throughout the project.

The Davido collaboration is particularly notable because of the singer’s established international profile, while the Ayra Starr feature adds another high-profile female voice to FOLA’s catalogue.

Full Tracklist of FOLA’s ‘9’ Album

The 14-track album is arranged as follows:

1. Awade
2. How Many?
3. 2AM in Toronto (feat. Davido)
4. Stubborn
5. Miss U II (Nriri)
6. In Order
7. Treat U Right (feat. Ayra Starr)
8. Attention!
9. Fine Ting (Fine $hit)
10. WAF
11. Crime
12. My Type (feat. BNXN)
13. Hold U Down (feat. Darkoo)
14. It’s Over (feat. Bella Shmurda and Zlatan)

The tracklist combines familiar releases with previously unreleased material, giving fans an opportunity to revisit songs already gaining attention while discovering the rest of the project.

‘Crime’, ‘WAF’ and Other Songs to Watch

Beyond the major collaborations, some of the album’s other records have attracted attention for their individual stories.

Crime reinterprets the idea behind 2Baba’s classic song If Love Is a Crime, bringing the familiar romantic theme into FOLA’s contemporary musical world.

WAF also arrives with an existing audience following attention around an unreleased version of the song before the album’s official release.

Meanwhile, Miss U II (Nriri) builds on the emotional and romantic themes that have featured in FOLA’s earlier music.

These records help give 9 an identity beyond its guest appearances, balancing songs built around established musical references and audience anticipation with tracks that allow FOLA to explore his own themes.

From ‘Catharsis’ to ‘9’: FOLA’s Next Career Chapter

FOLA’s sophomore album follows the foundation established by Catharsis, his 2025 debut album.

Since emerging as one of the promising voices in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene, the singer has continued to expand his catalogue through solo releases and collaborations, including work connected to Bella Shmurda’s Dangbana Republik.

With 9, he returns with a larger collection of songs and a high-profile guest list that could help broaden his reach among Afrobeats listeners at home and internationally.

The project also arrives at a time when Nigerian artists are competing for attention through streaming platforms, social media discovery and collaborations that introduce their music to new audiences.

For FOLA, the challenge will be to turn the attention surrounding the album’s release into sustained listening and establish the new songs alongside his existing catalogue.

Where to Listen to FOLA’s ‘9’ Album

FOLA’s 9 is available on digital music platforms, including Apple Music. Listeners can explore the complete 14-track project and its collaborations with Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.

With its football-inspired title, mix of solo records and high-profile features, 9 presents FOLA’s latest attempt to strengthen his position in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving Afrobeats scene.

As the album begins its streaming journey, its performance over the coming days will provide a clearer indication of whether the project can translate its early attention into lasting commercial success.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more