By Prosper Mene
Nigerian singer FOLA has given a heartfelt shout-out to author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and music legend 2Baba for their roles in his new sophomore album, 9.
On the album’s second track, “How Many,” FOLA samples a portion of Adichie’s Harvard speech on fear, self-doubt and creativity. In the excerpt, she says:
“Procrastinating is a form of fear, and it is difficult to acknowledge fear. But the truth is that you cannot create anything of value without both self-doubt and self-belief.”
He also samples 2Baba’s classic record “If Love Is A Crime” on the track “Crime,” the 11th song on the album, paying homage to one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians and his lasting impact on the country’s music scene.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), FOLA shared his gratitude, writing:
“Today, I’m beyond grateful to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the legendary 2Baba for their contribution to the arts, their blessings on my sophomore, and for leaving my generation multiple standards to aspire to.”
The album, his second project, blends new sounds with deep Nigerian influences, and FOLA’s decision to feature two of the country’s most respected voices shows the level of intention behind it.
