Fola’s “Catharsis”: A Record-Breaking Debut in Afrobeats

Rising Nigerian star Fola has taken the music world by storm with his debut album “Catharsis,” released on September 4, 2025. In just its first week, the album shattered records, amassing 10.66 million streams on Spotify Nigeria—the biggest opening week for any debut album in the platform’s history. Globally, it racked up 12.73 million streams, debuting at No. 2 on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut Global Chart, the highest for a Nigerian album ever.

“Catharsis” fuses Afrobeat rhythms with soulful melodies, rooted in Fola’s Lagos heritage. Born in 2001, the young artist has quickly built a fanbase, charting in over 40 countries on Apple Music and topping charts on Nigerian Apple, Spotify, and Audiomack.

This success highlights the surging global demand for Afrobeats, with streams up 45% year-over-year. Fola’s authentic sound and strategic promotion signal a shift, challenging Western pop dominance. As one fan tweeted, “He’s a STAR! 🚀” With “Catharsis,” Fola isn’t just debuting—he’s redefining the genre.