By Emmanuel Daniji

Fast-rising Nigerian singer-songwriter Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as FOLA, has given his mother two major reasons to celebrate after surprising her with a brand-new grey Lexus SUV and a church building of her own.

The Afrobeats and Afro-R&B singer shared the emotional moment on social media, showing his mother’s reaction when she discovered the car waiting for her.

Unable to contain her excitement, she jumped, danced across the lawn and embraced her son as the reality of the surprise sank in.

For FOLA, however, the gifts were more than expensive presents. They were the fulfilment of promises born from a conversation he had with his mother when his music career was beginning to gain momentum.

According to the singer, he had once asked his mother what she wanted, and she told him about two particular wishes — to own a church building and a specific Lexus SUV.

Years later, FOLA said he was grateful that his career had progressed to the point where he could make both wishes a reality.

“When things started to align, I randomly asked my mother what she wanted and she said she wanted her own church building and this specific car. I thank God for keeping this running long enough for me to say I’ve done both things,” he said.

The gesture comes at a significant moment in FOLA’s rapidly rising career.

The singer has emerged as one of the new voices attracting attention in Nigerian music, building a growing audience with songs such as “alone”, “you”, “caricature”, “eko” and “fine ting (fine $hit)”.

His 2025 debut album, Catharsis, further established his songwriting ability and distinctive sound, earning him wider recognition within the Nigerian music scene.

FOLA’s career has also received a major boost from The Headies.

He led the nominations for the 18th Headies Awards with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album for Catharsis, Next Rated, Best Male Artiste and Best Recording of the Year for “you”.

With his music career reaching new heights, FOLA’s decision to honour his mother with the two things she once told him she wanted has added an especially personal dimension to his success.

For many artistes, career milestones are measured by awards, hit songs, sold-out shows and commercial success. For FOLA, one of his most meaningful milestones appears to be the ability to give his mother what she once only dreamed of.

He asked her what she wanted when his journey was just beginning. He remembered her answers, worked his way up and eventually delivered both.

And judging by her reaction, the moment is one neither mother nor son is likely to forget anytime soon.