FOLA’s catharsis: A Bold Debut That Tops Charts and Hearts
Breaking into the scene with confidence, FOLA makes a powerful statement on his debut album catharsis. The 11-track project, which is currently sitting at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a journey. True to its title, catharsis feels like a release: a mix of personal reflection, raw emotion, and vibrant Afrobeats energy that captures both the struggles and triumphs of an artist finding his voice.
From pre-releases like You and Eko to fresh standouts such as Cruise Control and Golibe featuring Victony, the album offers range without losing its identity. It’s a debut that doesn’t play it safe — FOLA takes risks, explores his phenomenal sound, and delivers a body of work that demands to be heard on repeat.
Track by Track Review: The Journey Through The catharsis Album
Listening to catharsis isn’t just pressing play on another Afrobeats album — it’s stepping into FOLA’s world. Across 11 tracks, the rising star pieces together a story that’s equal parts personal and universal, weaving emotion, rhythm, and reflection into a debut that feels larger than life. With the project already holding the No. 1 spot on Apple Music Nigeria, it’s clear fans are connecting with his sound.
But what exactly makes catharsis tick? To find out, we’re breaking it down track by track — exploring the themes, standout moments, and the unique vibes that make each song worth your attention. From the high-energy bangers to the soul-stirring cuts, here’s the full journey through FOLA’s debut album.
Read on…
Gokada – Setting the Tone
Catharsis opens with Gokada, a soft yet striking intro that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. Built on smooth instrumentals and layered with FOLA’s beautiful vocals, the track eases listeners into the album while offering a glimpse of its emotional depth.
It’s not just an opener — it feels like a welcome mat, gently inviting you into FOLA’s world. The balance between the production and his delivery is clean and intentional, showing that this debut isn’t about rushing into bangers but about creating an experience. With Gokada, FOLA signals that Catharsis is going to be more than music — it’s going to be a feeling.
Eko – The Lagos Experience
With Eko, FOLA paints a vivid picture of Lagos — the city of endless hustle, fast-paced living, and undeniable beauty. The track captures both the pressure and the allure of Nigeria’s bustling hub, balancing gritty storytelling with smooth delivery.
What really brings Eko to life is FOLA’s voice. His vocals make the struggles and triumphs of Lagos living feel surreal yet comforting, transforming what could be a heavy theme into a song that’s as lovely to hear as it is meaningful. It’s an anthem for dreamers, grinders, and anyone who’s ever felt the city’s pull, showing FOLA’s ability to translate real-life narratives into music that resonates.
Golibe (feat. Victony) – Lover Boy Vibes
Switching gears from the hustle of Lagos, FOLA slides back into his lover boy bag on Golibe. The track is soaked in emotion as he sings about a girl who inspires him, a muse that has him caught up in his feelings. His delivery is smooth and heartfelt, striking that sweet spot between vulnerability and groove.
Bringing in Victony was the perfect touch. Known for his ability to elevate Afropop records with his unique voice and flair, Victony adds depth and balance to the track, making it feel like a genuine conversation between two perspectives on love. Together, they create a song that’s tender, melodic, and endlessly replayable — a standout moment on Catharsis for sure.
You – A Confession of Love
Currently at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, You shines as one of the most emotional and relatable tracks on the project. The song portrays a heartfelt confession of love to a muse, where FOLA pours out his emotions with honesty and vulnerability. His voice glides effortlessly over the instrumental, making every word feel genuine and intentional.
Beyond being a simple love song, You feels like a universal anthem for admiration and devotion. It captures the euphoria of being inspired by someone special — the kind of feeling that makes life brighter and music more meaningful. The combination of soothing production, lyrical sincerity, and FOLA’s emotive delivery makes this track not just beautiful but also inspirational. It’s easy to see why it resonates with so many listeners and has claimed the top spot on the charts.
Lost (feat. Kizz Daniel) – A Perfect Blend of Voices
Lost brings a refreshing switch in energy as FOLA teams up with Afropop heavyweight Kizz Daniel. The track balances vulnerability with groove, exploring themes of searching for clarity and stability in the chaos of love and life. FOLA holds his own with heartfelt delivery, while Kizz Daniel adds his signature melodic flair, making the collaboration feel effortless and organic.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable — FOLA’s crisp vocals glide alongside Kizz Daniel’s seasoned tone, creating a seamless back-and-forth that makes Lost a standout moment on the album. With its catchy rhythm and soulful undertones, the track feels both radio-ready and emotionally deep, reminding listeners why Kizz Daniel is such a trusted collaborator and why FOLA is quickly rising to his level.
Healer – Love as Medicine
On Healer, FOLA channels raw vulnerability into a soulful dedication to a lover who feels like a cure for his wounds. Rather than speaking in broad strokes about pain, he narrows it down to the comfort, peace, and restoration found in the arms of someone special. His lyrics paint love as medicine — soft, nurturing, and powerful enough to ease the weight of life’s struggles.
The production is gentle and uncluttered, allowing FOLA’s emotive vocals to carry the message. Every note feels intentional, drawing listeners into the intimacy of his confession. Healer stands out as one of the most tender songs on Catharsis, showing how love itself can become a form of therapy.
Cruise Control – Effortless Vibes
Cruise Control is where FOLA loosens up and reminds listeners that music can be both deep and lighthearted. Coming after the emotional weight of Healer, this track shifts gears into a carefree, easy-going vibe. With smooth vocals layered over a rhythmic, feel-good instrumental, FOLA creates the perfect soundtrack for late-night drives, hangouts with friends, or simply unwinding.
The song balances melody with mood, showing his ability to step out of the lover-boy and introspective moments into pure enjoyment. Cruise Control isn’t just about fun — it’s about finding freedom in the moment, riding life’s waves without overthinking. It’s no wonder fans had been eager for its release since the snippet first circulated, and its presence here on Catharsis cements it as one of the album’s highlights.
Robbery (feat. Gabzy) – Love That Steals
With Robbery, FOLA teams up with Gabzy to craft a unique spin on love — one that feels like being robbed of your time, your guard, your peace, and even your sense of control. The theme is both playful and poignant, capturing how overwhelming romance can feel when someone completely disarms you.
Gabzy’s smooth delivery blends seamlessly with FOLA’s heartfelt vocals, creating a rich back-and-forth that mirrors the push and pull of passion. The production leans into sultry melodies and steady percussion, setting a moody yet infectious atmosphere.
Robbery is one of those tracks that lingers — equal parts vulnerable and seductive. It shows how FOLA isn’t afraid to experiment with metaphors and stretch the boundaries of how love is expressed in Afrobeats.
Caricature – Love in Poetic Strokes
Caricature takes a softer, more romantic turn as FOLA returns to his lover-boy essence. Here, he crafts a poetic ode to a muse, painting vivid images of affection, longing, and admiration. The title suggests exaggeration, yet in the context of love, it feels more like an artistic expression — where emotions are amplified, colors are brighter, and every detail becomes larger than life.
The song flows like poetry, with FOLA’s smooth vocals layered over delicate instrumentals that highlight the intimacy of his words. It’s the kind of track that feels personal, almost like reading a page torn from a private love letter.
With Caricature, FOLA shows once again that love is central to his storytelling, offering listeners both tenderness and artistry in equal measure.
Disco (feat. Young Jonn) – Dancefloor Energy
As the album nears its end, Disco bursts in with pure energy. Featuring the ever-vibrant Young Jonn, the track is a celebration of rhythm, nightlife, and carefree moments. It’s the kind of song that immediately pulls you to the dancefloor, blending FOLA’s smooth delivery with Young Jonn’s playful, infectious style.
The production is upbeat and glossy, leaning into Afrobeats’ party DNA while carrying hints of funk and groove. Together, FOLA and Young Jonn create a dynamic chemistry that makes Disco impossible to skip — it’s fun, flirtatious, and full of replay value.
Disco reminds listeners that while Catharsis dives into deep emotions and introspection, it also knows when to let loose and simply dance.
It’s Going – A Gentle Farewell
It’s Going closes out Catharsis with a soft, reflective outro that feels like a deep exhale after an emotional journey. The track is understated yet powerful, built on mellow chords and a stripped-down arrangement that lets FOLA’s voice shine in its purest form.
Rather than ending on a loud, triumphant note, FOLA chooses subtlety — offering listeners a sense of calm and quiet resolution. His lyrics suggest acceptance, movement, and the natural flow of life, as if reminding us that healing and growth are continuous processes.
As the final notes fade, It’s Going ties the album together beautifully, leaving listeners not with finality, but with peace. It’s the perfect outro — soft, intimate, and true to the spirit of Catharsis.
Final Thoughts – The Power of Catharsis
With Catharsis, FOLA delivers an 11-track body of work that feels both personal and universal. From the intimate confessions of You and Caricature, to the energetic vibes of Cruise Control and Disco, the album balances depth with replay value. Each track contributes a different shade of emotion, making the project not just a debut but a statement of intent.
At its core, Catharsis lives up to its name — it’s a release of emotions, a journey through love, healing, self-reflection, and joy. FOLA proves himself as a versatile artist capable of weaving poetry into sound while still giving fans music they can dance to.
It’s no surprise the album sits comfortably at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria. More than just a moment, Catharsis feels like the beginning of a promising legacy.
Ratings
Delivery: 1.9/2
Lyricism: 1.8/2
Relatability: 1.7/2
Mixing and Production: 1.8/2
Replay Value: 1.8/2
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FOLA catharsis Album Review – Reviewed & Written by Peace Umanah
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