Catharsis (stylized in all lowercase) is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer-songwriter . It was released on 4 September 2025 by Dangbana Republik, and Empire. The studio album production credit are: L.O.L., Sbthaproducer, Shallythechampion, Kel-P, KTIZO Hoodini, Chuma Nwokike, Harrison Song, Adam Fritzle, Josh Milligan, Damie, Jhay2unez, and Promise.
Background In 2024, Bella Shmurda unveils FOLA as Dangbana Republik new signee. On 2 December 2024, in an interview with TurnTable, he announced his debut EP what a feeling to be released in the same year, which became a commercial success and would pave the way for his next project. On 15 August 2025, he announced plans to release his debut studio album.
Singles "Lost" was released on April 24, 2025, featuring Kizz Daniel, as the first single from the album. "You" was released on 7 August 2025, as the second single of the album. "Eko" was released on 1 September 2025, as the third single of the album.
Critical reception
Catharsis received generally favorable reviews from music critics. In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Adeayo Adebiyi says: "Fola’s run by expanding on the sound that brought him fame. His reluctance to embrace some variety and adventure leads to a predictability that can create dullness even for a 28-minute album."
African Folder's Philemon Jacob describes the album as "is a clear stamp in the incredible moment Fola is having, a breakout year that would be remembered fondly in history."
In review for The Upper Entertainment, Bomi Anifowose describes the album as "An imperfect, brilliant, and necessary debut that expands Afrobeats’ emotional vocabulary."
Accolades Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) ResultsRef2026The HeadiesAlbum of the YearBest R&B Album
Track listing
Notes
All songs are stylized in all lowercase
Charts + Chart performance for Catharsis Chart (2025) Peakposition Nigerian Albums (TurnTable) 1
References