Folarin Odunlami, known professionally as Fola (also “Folapondis”), is a Nigerian singer-songwriter rapidly rising in the pop-soul and Afrobeat scene. He is known for his soulful voice, Fuji-tinged tonality, and melodic storytelling. Hits like Who Does That (with Bella Shmurda), Alone, and his EP What a Feeling have cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s promising young talents.
Early Life & Background
Fola was born on April 26, 1999, in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in Lagos exposed him to a rich tapestry of sounds — church music, street rhythms, Fuji, and pop-soul — which shaped his musical sensibilities. His upbringing in Lagos, surrounded by music and performance culture, helped nurture his gift for emotive vocal delivery and songwriting.
Career Beginnings
Fola began sharing music via social media and releasing singles in the early 2020s. One of his breakthrough tracks was Who Does That with Bella Shmurda, which garnered him widespread attention. His sound blends Fuji tonality with soulful pop, and his approach to storytelling in his lyrics sets him apart.
Rise to Fame
Signing with **Dangbana Republik** marked a turning point in Fola’s career. His EP What a Feeling, released in December 2024, featured collaborations with Bella Shmurda, Bnxn, Magixx, and BhadBoi OML. The single “Alone” featuring BhadBoi OML, and its remix with Bnxn, charted very well; the remix hit No. 1 on Nigeria’s Official Streaming Songs chart. His track “Lost” with Kizz Daniel also gained rapid streaming numbers, reinforcing his rising star status.
Recent Projects
Among his latest works are the singles Lost (with Kizz Daniel), Alone, and the EP What a Feeling. He continues to perform, build his catalog, and deepen his signature sound of emotive pop-soul mixed with Afrobeat and Fuji influences.
Personal Life
Fola tends to keep his personal life private. Known for his stylish appearance, dreadlocked hairstyle, and humble yet expressive persona, he often lets his music communicate his feelings.
Net Worth
As of 2025, a publicly verified exact figure is not confirmed. However, with his streaming success, collaborations, and growing fanbase, his income sources include music streaming royalties, features, live performances, and brand deals. (Range estimates vary.)
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @folapondis
- X (formerly Twitter): @folapondis
Summary
Fola has emerged as a compelling voice in Nigeria’s music landscape — blending pop, soul, and Afrobeat with poetic lyricism and vocal warmth. At a young age, he’s already proven he has staying power with hit tracks, strong collaborations, and a signature sound. Fans can look forward to more projects as he leverages his rising influence in both local and global music spheres.