When Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA visited Stamford Bridge, he explained how supporting Chelsea runs in his family and discussed the Blues stars who inspired him growing up.
FOLA has been touring the UK in 2026, performing at packed-out venues all over the country. Between concerts, as a lifelong Chelsea supporter, there was one thing right at the top of his to-do list while he was in London - make a visit to Stamford Bridge.
During his tour of the Blues' home, FOLA sat down to tell us about his experiences cheering on Chelsea from afar in Nigeria, and in person at the Bridge...
**You’ve spoken about your love of football previously, how has it influenced you as a child and now as an adult?**
Everything's the very same thing, for a fact. My dad was a Chelsea fan, he's still a Chelsea fan, he influenced me into this. The whole family are Chelsea fans, and it really feels good, you know? From following the club growing up in Nigeria to now coming to the stadium, it just feels good. It really feels good.
**Who are the players that you have idolised as a Chelsea supporter?**
Oh man, I have a lot of them, like Didier Drogba, Super Frankie \[Lampard\], John Terry, Eden Hazard, David Luiz, Juan Mata, Oscar. There's just a list of them, it goes on so long.
**What is your favourite Chelsea memory and why?**
When won the Champions League 14 years ago. That was my favourite night as a Chelsea fan. I was 11, I remember I watched that. 14 years ago, it was so crazy, it was really crazy. That was our first Champions League and it was a such a good memory. It was a crazy memory.
**West African players have played a huge role in Chelsea’s success, how influential has that representation been for Chelsea supporters in the region?**
Watching them – John Mikel Obi, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien – it really influenced me to want to be a Chelsea player myself, before I started making music! I really trained a lot, I really wanted to be like them, but I'm still happy with what I'm doing today!
**Is this your first time at Stamford Bridge?**
No, I think this is my third or second time at Stamford Bridge. I watched the Fulham game here, I've watched two Chelsea games live.
**You’ve performed across the UK and in London over the past month, how much did you enjoy that experience?**
It feels really good. It's cold out here, obviously, it's very different from where I come from. But I'm adapting, I'm really enjoying it. The weather, the people, the culture – it feels good.
**Is there a natural crossover between players and musicians? You both have to perform in front of thousands of people who are expecting you to deliver…**
Yeah, obviously. If thousands of people are watching you, they're expecting you to blow some minds, you know? Because of that, I'm okay.