Singer Fola Recounts Unpleasant Experience as First-Timer in Lagos: “Not A Real Place”
- Afrobeats artist Fola said he was arrested and slept at a police station on the very day he relocated to Lagos in 2018.
- The ‘Alone’ crooner admitted the experience almost made him give up on his music dream
- Despite the rocky start, Fola has since risen, signing with Bella Shmurda’s Dagbani Republik in 2024
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For many aspiring artists, moving to Lagos is the first step to stardom. But for Afrobeats singer Folarin Odunlami, better known as Fola, the city almost broke him on day one.
In a chat on The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, the ‘Alone’ crooner revealed that he was arrested and forced to spend his very first night in Lagos inside a police cell.
According to the singer, the incident was so demoralising that he nearly abandoned his dream of becoming a musician.
Source: Instagram
He recalled:
“I relocated to Lagos in 2018 to pursue my music career. It has been rough but… I wasn’t born here, so it was so hard at first but I have adapted to both the living conditions and the hustle. 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 artist admitted that Lagos was overwhelming at first, but his resilience kept him going.
He stated:
“I have adapted. At first it was tough. But now I understand the hustle, the pressure, and the lifestyle. You have to be strong if you want to survive here.”
Fast forward to 2024, Fola’s story has taken a different turn. His music career gained new momentum when Bella Shmurda’s record label, Dagbani Republik, signed him in October 2024.
The signing introduced him to a wider audience, with fans praising his lyrical depth and unique sound.
Watch the video here:
Fans react to Fola's interview:
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below:
@Naijadream:
“Omo, Lagos no dey smile. First night in cell? Respect to Fola for not packing his bags and running back. This is real hustle spirit.”
@Afrobeatsqueen:
“From prison bed to music charts, God really dey write the best scripts. Fola’s story is pure motivation.”
@Streetlawyer001:
“Police matter no be beans. The fact say he still dey push today shows say man was built for greatness.”
@Bellanation:
“So happy Bella Shmurda spotted him. Imagine talent like this giving up because of one bad night? Lagos almost cheated us.”
@LaughsByFire:
“Lagos is like that wicked aunty—she must test you before she hug you. Fola don pass initiation!”
Source: Instagram
Odumodu warns artists about Lagos
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck issued a blunt warning to upcoming artists, saying Lagos might not be the dream city they imagine.
The Abuja-based musician took to his X handle to describe Nigeria's most populated city as “the worst place for a young artist to grow,”.
He insisted that the city’s music culture turns people into “greedy, selfish, and self-centered packaged beasts.”
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
