Fola Takes Flight: New Single “Eko” Signals a Breakout Year

The Afrobeats genre is known for its high-energy anthems, but rising star Fola is proving there’s massive power in a softer touch. The singer, who won Young Person of the Year at the 2025 Future Awards Africa, is closing out a whirlwind first quarter with his evocative new single, “Eko.”

Released in January 2026, “Eko” is a soulful love letter to Lagos, blending Fola’s signature R&B-inflected vocals with gentle percussion. The track has already landed at #21 on Apple Music’s Best of 2025 Afrobeats Hits list, cementing his status as a streaming favorite.

This momentum follows his critically acclaimed album Catharsis and a major co-sign from industry legend Olamide, with a collaboration currently in the works. Fola’s rise hasn’t been without struggle—his journey included a rough start after being arrested on his first day in Lagos—but those raw emotions fuel his honest songwriting.

With a headline show at London’s indigo at The O2 scheduled for April 19, 2026, Fola is proving that the “softer Afrobeats” wave is here to stay. If “Eko” is any indication, this is just the beginning of his global takeover.