Fast-rising Afrobeats singer, Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, has opened up about the harrowing experience of being arrested on the very first day he arrived in Lagos to pursue his music career.

The Alone crooner revealed the ordeal during a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM, Lagos, where he reflected on his early struggles and the resilience that kept him pushing despite the odds.

Fola, who moved to Lagos in 2018 with high hopes of breaking into the music industry, said his dreams almost ended abruptly when he found himself behind bars.

The very first day I came to Lagos, I was arrested. I slept at the police station. It was a long story. I don’t want to remember it. I almost gave up,” he recalled.

The singer explained that the incident shook him deeply and nearly discouraged him from pursuing his passion for music.

However, he credited the difficult moment with shaping his determination and giving him the drive to work harder for success.

Since that rocky start, Fola has steadily carved out a name for himself in the Afrobeats scene, winning listeners with his soulful sound and relatable lyrics. His breakout single Alone has earned him recognition among emerging Nigerian artists, while his story of perseverance continues to inspire fans navigating their own struggles.

Despite the trauma of his first encounter with Lagos, Fola emphasized that the city has also been central to his growth and eventual breakthrough in music.

Industry watchers say his candid recollection sheds light on the challenges many young talents face when moving to Lagos, the hub of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where opportunities abound but survival often comes with hardship.