Fast-rising Nigerian singer Fola has shared a candid account of his humble beginnings, revealing how he worked in his father’s betting shop before rising to prominence in the music industry.

In an interview, Fola reflected on his early struggles, explaining how his passion for music began during high school. He played in a band but lacked the resources to pursue his musical aspirations professionally.

“I started making music in high school, obviously not professionally, but I had a band I was playing with,” he shared.

From Humble Beginnings

After completing his education, Fola’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. He didn’t own a phone at the time, relying on a friend’s device to take his first steps in music. Despite the obstacles, he kept his dream alive, though the reality of his environment made it difficult to push forward.

“I didn’t even have a phone; I was using my guy’s phone to do stuff,” he recalled. “It was difficult for me because I didn’t have the resources, but I kept at it.”

Bet Shop Life: A Stepping Stone

Faced with a lack of opportunities in Ibadan, Fola made a practical decision to take up work at his father’s small betting shop.

“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.

Despite the daily grind, Fola never let go of his dreams of becoming a successful musician.

Turning Point in Lagos

Fola’s breakthrough came when he made the bold decision to move to Lagos, a city he credits for changing the course of his career. It was in Lagos that he met the late Mohbad, a relationship that played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey.

“I met Mohbad, and Mohbad did a lot of things for me,” he said, clearly grateful for the late star’s support.

Through Mohbad, Fola was introduced to Bella Shmurda, which led to a collaborative project in 2022. Despite the significant gap in their profiles at the time, Bella agreed to collaborate with Fola without any financial interest, a gesture that Fola continues to appreciate.

“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,” Fola shared.

Grateful for the Journey

Looking back at his humble beginnings and how far he’s come, Fola expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities that led him to where he is today.

“I thank God for where we are today,” he concluded, reflecting on the transformative journey from the bet shop to the music scene.

Fola’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem. His growth in the music industry is an inspiring reminder that with hard work, the right connections, and a bit of faith, dreams can be realized—even from the most unexpected starting points.