Nigerian singer Fola has revealed that he avoids comparing himself to other artistes as a way of handling the pressures of the music industry, while reflecting on his remarkable journey from working as a Bet9ja cashier in Ibadan to becoming one of the country’s fast-rising music stars.

Speaking about his rise to fame, Fola said the transformation has been overwhelming, especially considering how people in his neighbourhood once knew him only for his betting shop job.

“I went home to Ibadan once, like four months after everything. That’s where I came from, Bet9ja cashier. That’s what people used to know me for in my area, not music. From that time to this time is mind-blowing. Ibadan has crazy love for me,” he said.

Addressing the pressures that often come with success in the music industry, the singer explained that he deliberately refuses to compare his progress with that of his colleagues.

“The one solution I have given myself is that I don’t compare myself to anybody. Once I see peace, it’s going. Sabi boy don’t know pressure if you believe in yourself. How did you get all those things you got? I just believe in myself.”

Fola also recalled how his interest in music began during his school days after noticing the attention a fellow student received from girls.

“There was a guy in JS2 that was always making music and getting girls. I wanted to do it, but I didn’t know I could do it. My brother was always writing rap then, so I copied his rap and went to school the next day. I did my own, and everyone was clapping. Even the proprietor came. I said, ‘Wow, I have to do this thing.’”

He added that music was already a part of family life.

“Besides that, in my house everyone sings. We always have morning devotion, so we all sing.”

The singer credited his mother for encouraging him to pursue his dreams from an early age.

“My mum always put the idea of being a star into me. She used to tell me that I’m going to be a star, I should just pray and be myself.”

Fola rose to prominence with his hit single Alone and has since collaborated with leading artistes including Ayra Starr, Wizkid, BNXN, Zlatan, Victony and DJ Tunez.