Afrobeats singer Folarin Odunlami, better known as Fola, has shared the painful story of how he was arrested on his very first day in Lagos while chasing his dream of becoming a music star.
The fast-rising artist, who gained prominence after signing with Bella Shmurda’s record label, Dagbani Republik, in October 2024, revealed that the incident almost crushed his spirit and made him consider abandoning music altogether.
Speaking in a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Fola explained that relocating to Lagos in 2018 was a tough decision.
He was determined to chase his career but admitted he was unprepared for the city’s harsh realities.
“I relocated to Lagos in 2018 to pursue my music career. It has been rough but I have adapted. I wasn’t born here, so it was hard at first. But now I understand the living conditions and the hustle,” he said.
The singer recalled that his first experience in the city was traumatic. Instead of settling in, he ended up spending a night behind bars.
“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 even want to remember it. I almost gave up,” Fola recounted.
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Despite the rough start, Fola refused to let the incident define him. He credits his resilience for helping him survive in Lagos and grow into one of Afrobeats’ rising voices.
Over time, his perseverance began to pay off. Fola caught the attention of Bella Shmurda, who welcomed him into his label, Dagbani Republik, in late 2024.
That partnership marked a turning point in his career, giving him a platform to reach wider audiences.
His breakthrough came with the release of his hit single, “Alone,” a track that resonated with fans and firmly placed him on the Afrobeats map.
Since then, he has not only gained popularity but also secured collaborations with top stars such as Wizkid and Kizz Daniel.
For Fola, the journey has been far from smooth, but each challenge has shaped him into the artist he is becoming. He said Lagos, with its hustle and endless opportunities, has taught him resilience, patience, and determination.
Many young Nigerians move to Lagos with hopes of building careers in music, film, and other creative industries. However, Fola’s story highlights the risks and struggles that often accompany such a bold move. His experience serves as both a warning and an inspiration: while Lagos can be unforgiving, those who persist may find success.
Today, Fola is enjoying a growing fan base and recognition within the industry. He remains focused on building a solid career and sharing his music with the world, a dream that almost ended the night he first arrived in the city.
