EP Review: FOLA’s What a Feeling is a Captivating Debut of Emotion and Craft
Using R&B as a foundation, the rising star defies genre boundaries.
In the age of social media dominance, a viral moment can catapult an artist into the spotlight—whether seasoned or just emerging. This year, newcomer FOLA achieved his breakthrough with “alone,” a heartfelt ode to romantic commitment. Featuring BhadBoi OML, the track turned heads across the industry, highlighting FOLA’s silky vocals and earnest songwriting. The remix, featuring BNXN, solidified its success, earning FOLA his first No. 1 entry on TurnTable Charts.
For many, “alone” marked their first encounter with FOLA’s talent. However, Bella Shmurda was ahead of the curve. In 2022, Shmurda was featured on FOLA’s “Ginger Me,” which shared its title with one of Shmurda’s own tracks. This year, Shmurda unveiled FOLA as the inaugural signee to his Dangbana Republik Records. In an interview with Culture Custodian, FOLA (born Folarin Odunlami) revealed that his relationship with Shmurda runs deep —Shmurda was among the first to recognise his musical potential. FOLA credits this friendship as foundational to his artistic growth.
Both versions of “alone” appear on what a feeling, FOLA’s debut EP. While BNXN and OML lend their unique touches, FOLA’s performance shines through with compelling honesty. His lyrics implore a lover’s attention while grappling with emotional distance. “This music na my ìyàwó (Ìyàwó, oh),” he declares, affirming his ultimate devotion to his craft. FOLA’s music channels R&B’s emotive core, blending it seamlessly with Pop, Amapiano, and other genres. Though his breakthrough came this year, his six years of honing his craft are evident in the confidence he exudes throughout the EP.
On “bye bye,” FOLA reassures his lover of his unwavering support: “It’s still the life, you decide/And if I've got you to rely on (Rely on)/You know you be the right one/And I be your shoulders to cry on.” With “tonight,” his romantic declarations deepen as he serenades his lover with heartfelt lyrics, including a subtle nod to veteran Nigerian artist Wande Coal: “She sing pass Wande.” Notably, a Wande Coal snippet inspired the foundation of “alone.”
Nigerian producer SB helmed five of the six tracks on what a feeling, creating an unmistakable synergy with FOLA. SB’s R&B-inflected rhythms perfectly complement the bounce of the songs, allowing FOLA to navigate melodic pockets easily. The outlier, “mandela (effect),” produced by Magicsticks, adopts an Amapiano beat. Here, FOLA and Magixx deliver an engaging duet as they trade verses in pursuit of their lovers.
FOLA and Bella Shmurda pair up on “who does that?,” a reflective track that positions music as a sanctuary from life’s trials. Their emotive deliveries, supported by lush backup vocals and instrumental arrangements, make the song a standout. Together, the duo captures the healing power of their art.
By the close of what a feeling, one thing is undeniable: FOLA is a talent poised for the big stage. The EP serves as an introduction and a declaration, revealing FOLA’s genuine thoughts and aspirations through every note and lyric.
Go HERE to stream what a feeling.
Read More
EP Review: Babyboy AV’s Reflective Journey of Growth on Pace
Album Review: Simi Rediscovers Herself on Lost and Found
EP Review: Amaeya Blossoms on Like a Flower
Album Review: Llona’s Homeless is His Shelter Against Life’s Chaos