Fast-rising singer, Fola, has recounted his humble beginnings, revealing that he once worked at his father’s betting shop before gaining traction in the music industry.
Speaking during an interview, the singer said his interest in music took root during his high school days, where he performed with a band despite lacking the resources to pursue music professionally at the time.
“I started making music in high school obviously not professionally, but I had a band I was playing with,” he said.
After leaving school, Fola explained that his challenges intensified, noting that he did not even own a mobile phone and had to depend on a friend’s device to take steps toward his music ambitions.
“It was difficult for me because I didn’t even have a phone, I was using my guy’s phone to do stuff,” he recalled.
With limited prospects in Ibadan, the singer said he turned to working at a small betting shop owned by his father to support himself financially.
“I checked my environment and it wasn’t encouraging so I started working at a bet shop owned by my dad. I worked as a manager and cashier so that I could raise some money for myself,” he said.
Fola later relocated to Lagos, a decision he described as a major breakthrough in his career. While in the city, he met the late Mohbad, whom he credited with playing a significant role in opening doors for him in the industry. “I met Mohbad. Mohbad did a lot of things for me,” he said.
He further disclosed that Mohbad introduced him to Bella Shmurda, a connection that resulted in an informal collaboration in 2022. “Mohbad and Bella were very close so Mohbad was always telling Bella about me. I and Bella did a song together in 2022 without any paperwork and it was just great,” he said.
According to Fola, Bella Shmurda agreed to work with him despite the disparity in their career levels at the time, without expecting any financial gain. “The gap was so much between us but Bella did it anyway even when he wasn’t going to make a dime out of it,” he added.
Reflecting on his journey so far, the singer expressed gratitude for his progress and current position in the industry. “I thank God for where we are today,” he said.
