FOLA – What A Feeling EP Review: A Solid Project From A Rookie

In a year marked by a scarcity of emphatic breakout stars, FOLA is one of those who has been able to deftly cut through all the noise and establish himself as a talent that must not be ignored. His 2022 single Ginger Me, featuring now-label boss Bella Shmurda, was his first major attempt at mainstream success. While the record was not compelling enough to become a hit, his potential shined on the song as on other records like Money Chaser and Bella. After a two-year development period, honing and refining his craft, he got his big break with the buzzing viral hit Alone featuring Bhadboi OML. The song’s popularity drew the attention of Afrobeat choir master Bnxn, whose placement on the remix guaranteed enhanced streaming and chart success. The announcement of his signing to Bella Shmurda’s Dagbana Republik imprint followed, and it was only a matter of time before he delivered a body of work to consolidate a spectacular 2024.

When you’ve had a year like FOLA has had, the feeling is indescribable. This inexplicable feeling informs his debut EP, What a Feeling. The project has six songs, two of which have been released as successful singles. Alone featuring Bhadboi OML and Bnxn, is an intimate and infectious love, a seamless blend of minimalistic Afro-R&B. The record opens with soft piano riffs that set a passionate tone before resting on a deep bassline and subtle guitar strings, while drum kicks and hi-hats give the record texture without overpowering FOLA’s vocals. While Bhadboi OML’s swaggering performance on the original contributed to the song’s early success, the dreamy and minimalistic sonic structure of the record flatters Bnxn, whose signature vocals drive the song to commercial success.

FOLA’s beat preference leans towards intimate and emotive minimalistic Afro-R&B fusion with a loose focus on atmosphere. Tonight follows a similar trope aided by inviting percussion and an intoxicating guitar riff as he confesses his attraction to his love interest and makes it clear he wants to share the night with her. On Bye bye, he seems aware of his rising fortunes and invites her on the journey. ‘I want money die i want you beside/if you no mind make you join me sha’ before going on to ask her to say bye bye to her previous lovers.

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His self-awareness kicks in again on the Magicsticks-produced Mandela (effect). He notices he is doing a lot of convincing and is not sure she wants him as much as he wants her. He still goes on to detail the effect she has on him. This time over a high-energy fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano. Magixx delivers a fine verse on the record. However, his performance pales in comparison to the other guest acts, most notably Bella Shmurda, who contributes to the best song on the project.

Who does that is a reflective and celebratory record that celebrates personal growth and the determination to overcome life’s challenges. Bella Shmurda adds depth to the record with his emotive verse, weaving themes of love and vulnerability into the song’s narrative. Together, their voices complement each other beautifully, creating a seamless interplay of energy and emotion. The record is a testament to FOLA’s growth since their 2022 collaboration, as that record does not hold a candle to this one. Growth is beautiful.

This writer’s only concern with this project is the addition of the original version of Alone for commercial reasons. It makes no sense in this body of work, especially when you consider the fact that the remix—which is also the better song—was already on it. The Mandela record with Magixx feels a bit out of place and could have better served as the final track on the project, concluding a seamless listening experience.

That said, What a Feeling is a fantastic project that consolidates a fantastic rookie year for FOLA and introduces him to an audience who may not have been familiar with his talent. It’s a great feeling to be able to make music that connects with people and be successful at it.