Fast-rising Afrobeats star Shoday has kicked off 2026 on a strong note with the release of “Paparazzi,” a standout collaboration featuring acclaimed Nigerian singer-songwriter FOLA. Released on January 2, 2026, the single has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about Nigerian songs of the year, driven by strong chart performance, viral social media traction, and positive early reviews.
The song made an immediate impact upon release, debuting at No. 1 on the Spotify Nigeria Daily Top Songs chart with approximately 333,986 opening-day streams, becoming the first song to reach the top spot on the platform in 2026. Its momentum has continued across streaming services, as it climbed to a new peak of No. 5 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Songs chart as of January 8, 2026, reflecting sustained listener interest and widespread appeal.
Even before its official release, “Paparazzi” had already gained significant traction online. Snippets shared by Shoday on TikTok inspired nearly 50,000 user-generated videos, creating strong anticipation and contributing to the song’s impressive debut. The pre-release buzz played a key role in its early success, underscoring the growing influence of social media in modern music promotion.
Musically, “Paparazzi” is a playful and romantic Afro-pop record that sees Shoday and FOLA exchange smooth, confident lines in a bid to impress a love interest. Beyond its infectious melodies and rhythmic energy, the track subtly explores themes of authenticity and personal substance over surface-level display. The release was accompanied by an official music video directed by Perliks, adding a strong visual dimension to the record. The single has also drawn favorable attention from music critics and industry observers. Music In Africa praised its catchy melodies and confident lyricism, positioning it as a potential replay favorite in 2026.
Unorthodox Reviews tracked its rapid climb on the Apple Music Nigeria charts, while MP3bullet described the collaboration as a defining moment in Shoday’s evolving career. The success of “Paparazzi” is largely attributed to the natural chemistry between both artists. FOLA, is known for his emotionally grounded vocals and melodic richness. He rose to prominence in 2022 with “Ginger Me” featuring Bella Shmurda and later signed to Dangbana Republik, releasing his debut EP What a Feeling in 2024. His expressive delivery complements Shoday’s energetic and versatile style.
Shoday gained recognition after transitioning from content creation into music, achieving viral success with tracks such as “Caution” and “Ewo.” Known for blending catchy hooks with relatable lyrics and Amapiano-inspired elements, he has collaborated with artists including Ayox, Poco Lee, Kizz Daniel, Shallipopi, and Zerrydl, and has secured deals with 5K Records and Sony Music Africa. Serving as the first official single from Shoday’s upcoming debut album, Hybrid, “Paparazzi” offers a clear preview of the project’s sound and direction ahead of its expected release later in 2026.
