Fast rising Nigerian singer, Fola has spoken about why he chooses not to compare himself with other artistes in the industry, insisting that his focus remains on his own growth and creative journey rather than measuring himself against his peers.

The Afrobeats star, born Folarin Odunlami, shared his thoughts during a recent interview where he reflected on his path from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most talked about voices in contemporary Afropop.

The singer used the opportunity to revisit his humble beginnings, recalling how he once worked as a manager and cashier at his father’s betting shop in Ibadan long before music became a viable career for him. He explained that his environment at the time offered little encouragement, pushing him to take up the job simply to raise money for himself while still nursing his passion for music, which had started informally with a band during his high school years.

Fola further revealed that his major breakthrough came after he relocated from Ibadan to Lagos, a move that connected him with the late singer Mohbad, who he credits for opening several doors for him in the industry. According to him, Mohbad’s closeness with Bella Shmurda eventually led to an informal collaboration between him and Bella in 2022, a moment he described as a turning point that set his career on a new trajectory despite the absence of any formal paperwork guiding the partnership at the time.

Reflecting on how far he has come since those days of financial struggle, including a period when he did not even own a personal phone, the singer said he remains deeply grateful for his journey and the people who believed in him along the way. He noted that his experiences have shaped his belief that every artiste has a unique path, which is why he prefers to stay focused on his own craft rather than drawing comparisons with others in the industry.

Since his breakout with hits such as Ginger Me and Alone, Fola has continued to build a growing profile in Afrobeats, collaborating with established names like Bella Shmurda, Kizz Daniel, BNXN and Young Jonn, while maintaining the grounded perspective that has defined his rise from a small betting shop in Ibadan to the global stage.

Photo Credit: PM News