FOLA, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan Turn “it’s over” Into a Victory Lap

FOLA has brought Bella Shmurda and Zlatan together for “it’s over,” a new Nigerian Afropop collaboration that turns its title into a statement of survival, ambition and renewed confidence. The single was released on September 10, 2026, through Dangbana Republik Records and EMPIRE, with an official video following on September 11. [1][2]

The song arrives as FOLA continues building momentum around his developing catalogue. Rather than presenting “it’s over” as a conventional breakup record, the track frames finality as a rejection of doubt and hardship. Its central idea is simple: the difficult chapter has ended, and the artists are ready to claim what comes next. [1][3]

Musically, the record sits between Afropop, Afro-fusion and Nigeria’s street-pop tradition. Production is credited to Shallythechampion and Sbthaproducer, whose arrangement combines a driving rhythm with soft drums, clipped rim-shots and brass accents. The instrumental leaves enough space for the three vocalists to occupy clearly different roles. [1][4]

FOLA leads with the melodic centre of the song. His delivery gives the chorus its emotional shape, balancing vulnerability with a sense of triumph. The writing looks back at struggle, prayer and the pursuit of success, but the performance is not weighed down by those difficulties. Instead, the song uses them as evidence of progress. [3][4]

Bella Shmurda brings a rougher, more street-oriented texture to the collaboration. His section adds spiritual reflection and a perspective rooted in the pressures of trying to move forward. That contribution connects the song to the street-pop language that has defined much of his public musical identity. [1][4]

Zlatan provides the most overt burst of energy. His verse raises the pace with Yoruba wordplay, punchlines and familiar ad-libs, giving the closing stretch a more forceful, celebratory feel. The contrast between FOLA’s smoother hook, Bella’s reflective verse and Zlatan’s high-energy delivery is central to the track’s appeal. [1][4]

The collaboration also carries a strong label and artistic connection. Bella Shmurda is associated with Dangbana Republik, the label that released the single alongside EMPIRE, while FOLA’s earlier work has included collaborations with Bella. That existing relationship helps explain why the pairing feels more like a continuation of an artistic circle than a random guest appearance. [2][5]

The track is compact: digital listings place it at roughly three minutes and 10 seconds, with Amazon Music listing a 3:11 runtime. It is credited to FOLA, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan as the main artists, and is available across major streaming services. [2][6]

The official video extends the song’s victory-lap mood. Coverage describes the artists performing around black SUVs in a multi-storey car park, with appearances from Yhemo Lee and Tunde Perry. Belema Kambi directed the video, while Oyedele Oluwamuyiwa handled cinematography and Ebube Light Orjiogo led the creative direction and edit, according to reporting on the release. [3]

“it’s over” is also being positioned as part of FOLA’s next major project. Multiple reports identify it as a song from his forthcoming album, “9.” However, the available reports do not agree fully on the project’s timing: one lists October 9, 2026, while another says the album’s release date has not yet been disclosed. For now, the album should be treated as forthcoming, with its final release schedule unconfirmed. [3][5]

That uncertainty does not affect the immediate purpose of the single. “it’s over” works as a statement of arrival for FOLA and as a meeting point between three strands of contemporary Nigerian street music: melodic Afropop, emotionally direct street-pop and Zlatan’s rap-driven energy. Its message is less about closure than control—the artists deciding that the period of being overlooked has ended.

For Nigerian listeners, the collaboration is notable because it joins an emerging voice with two established street-pop figures without allowing the guests to overwhelm the record. FOLA remains the song’s anchor, while Bella Shmurda and Zlatan expand its reach and intensity. The result is a concise, confidence-led release that functions both as a standalone single and as a preview of the direction surrounding FOLA’s next chapter. [1][2][4]