Nigerian singer FOLA has featured spoken words from renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on his sophomore album, 9, in a tribute to influential figures whose work continues to inspire younger creatives.
The singer incorporated Adichie’s words into “How Many?”, the second track on the 14-track album, released Friday, October 9, 2026.
In the excerpt, the award-winning author reflects on procrastination, fear and the self-doubt that often accompanies the creative process.
“Procrastinating is a form of fear,” Adichie says in the recording, adding that creating anything valuable requires both self-doubt and self-belief.
FOLA also paid tribute to veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, acknowledging how both figures shaped his artistic journey.
In a post on X on October 9, the singer thanked Adichie and 2Baba for their contributions to the arts and for setting standards younger creatives could aspire to.
“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,” he wrote.
Beyond Adichie’s spoken contribution, FOLA honoured 2Baba on the track “Crime”, which samples elements of the veteran singer’s classic song, “If Love Is a Crime”.
The project features collaborations with several Nigerian and international artists, including Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.
The album follows FOLA’s debut project, Catharsis, released in 2025, as the singer continues to establish himself in the Afrobeats scene.
Adichie, known for acclaimed works including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has built an international reputation for her writing and commentary on culture, identity and society.
Her appearance on 9 brings her literary voice into a musical project, connecting her reflections on creativity with FOLA’s tribute to the people who have influenced his generation.
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