Fast-rising Afrobeats star FOLA is gearing up for one of the most anticipated releases of the year as his sophomore album, 9, drops.
Album Overview
- Title: 9
- Release Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
- Label / Distribution: Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE
- Track Count: 14 Tracks
- Preceded By: Catharsis (Debut Album, 2025)
Concept & Meaning Behind 9
The album title draws inspiration from football culture—specifically the classic Number 9 striker. In football, the No. 9 is the primary goalscorer tasked with converting crucial opportunities when the team needs it most. For FOLA, the number serves as a direct metaphor for his position in modern Afrobeats: the artist people call on when they need a guaranteed hit. The release date (October 9) intentionally mirrors the album’s title.
Full Tracklist & Star-Studded Features
The 14-track project boasts guest appearances from high-profile artists, including Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, and Darkoo.
- awade
- how many?
- 2am in toronto (feat. Davido)
- stubborn
- miss u ii (nriri)
- my type (feat. BNXN)
- treat u right (feat. Ayra Starr)
- attention!
- fine ting (Fine $hit)
- waf
- crime
- my type (feat. BNXN)
- hold u down (feat. Darkoo)
- it’s over (feat. Bella Shmurda & Zlatan)
Key Highlights & Context
Hot Streak: FOLA arrives at his sophomore album following a dominant 2026 run that featured multiple chart-topping singles and high-profile collaborations across the West African music landscape.
Lead Singles: Pre-release records such as “Treat U Right” with Ayra Starr, “Fine Ting (Fine $hit),” and “Miss U II (Nriri)” established early momentum for the album rollout.
Production & Sound: The project combines Afrobeats, street-pop, and Afro-R&B, backed by Dangbana Republik’s distribution power alongside EMPIRE.
9 will be available across Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, and all major digital platforms globally.