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Fireboy DML

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Fireboy DML Verified artist
Fireboy DML in 2019
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Background information
Birth name Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan[1]
Born 5 February 1996 (age 30)
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active 2014–present
Labels
Education Obafemi Awolowo University
Website Official website

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan born 5 February 1996),[2][3] known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2018, he signed a record deal with YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide.[4] His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019.[4] He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.[3] His third studio album, Playboy, entered the Billboard 200 at number 123. His latest album, Adedamola, was released in 2024.

Early life and education

Fireboy DML was born on 5 February 1996 and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun state, and was a member of his church choir.[5] He developed an interest in music while studying at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. He moved to Lagos to pursue music as a full-time career.[6]

Music career

2018–2020: LTG and Apollo

His breakthrough single "Jealous" first appeared on YBNL Nation's collaborative album, YBNL Mafia Family (2018), before being re-released on 25 March 2019.[7][8] The song is composed of guitar riffs, traditional drums and percussion; it combines African harmonies with elements of country and soul music.[7][5] "Jealous" was produced by Cracker Mallo.[5] The visuals for "Jealous" were directed by Director K.[7]

In June 2019, Fireboy DML released the ballad single "What If I Say".[9] It was produced by Pheelz, who incorporated a mix of percussion, ambient synth harmonies, and a drum riff into the production[10] and plugged by Olaitan.[11] The visuals for "What If I Say" was directed by TG Omori.[10] On 1 August 2019, Fireboy DML released another single titled "King."[12][13] The accompanying music video was directed by TG Omori; it contains images of Fireboy and his love interest in a rose petal embellished Rolls-Royce, and images of him singing at a fashion show where models walk on a runway.[13]

Fireboy released his debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, on 29 November 2019. It was initially scheduled for release on 25 November.[14] The album's music is a brand of R&B that combines love and social issues with empirical songwriting.[14] LTG comprises 13 tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist; it amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify three days after its release.[15][16] It received generally positive reviews from music critics, but was criticized for being labeled an "Afro-Life" record instead of an R&B album. LTG was supported by the previously released singles "Jealous", "What If I Say", and "King".[17] The single "Vibration" was a fan favourite.

On 17 August 2020, Fireboy unveiled the tracklist to his sophomore studio album, Apollo.[18] Ivie Ani of Pitchfork gave the album an 8.3 rating out of 10, calling it "the peak of his vision so far, a melodious, detailed, and effortless album of feel-good pop and R&B".[19] NotJustOk wrote: "At the base of his writing is a deep-seated knack for introspection, the desire to be himself and a whole others like himself, spinning personal and borrowed accounts of existential crisis, ambition, love, lust and depression."[20]

In 2021, Fireboy released the single "Peru," which Music in Africa wrote "affirms [his] Afrobeats intelligence."[21] He was featured on Ladipoe's hit "Running"[22] and WSTRN's single "Be My Guest",[23] and Cheque's single "History". He made a musical appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing a medley of his songs "Vibration" from Tears, Laughter and Goosebumps, and "Champion" from Apollo.[24]

On 24 December 2021, he released a remix version of "Peru" with Ed Sheeran, which debuted at number 53 on the United States' Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 2 on the United Kingdom's Official Singles Chart in 2022. It became certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[25][26][27]

2022–present: Collaborations, Playboy and Adedamola

On 3 March 2022, Fireboy was featured on the Sickick remix to Madonna's 1998 single "Frozen".[28] The official music video was filmed on the same day. On 6 July 2022, Fireboy announced via his official Twitter account that his third studio album entitled Playboy[29] would be out by 5 August 2022.

In 2024, Fireboy was featured on the Justin Timberlake song "Liar", appearing on Timberlake's sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was.[30][31] He released his fourth studio album, Adedamola, on 29 August 2024. The album featured prominent Nigerian and international artists such as Lagbaja on “Back n Forth" and Jon Batiste on “Ready” and “Jon’s Interlude”.[32]

Artistry

Fireboy describes his sound as "Afro-Life" and said he writes songs to which the audiences can relate.[5] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork characterized his sound as "slow-groove pop" and stated it "tells stories about love with the formulaic structure of a Hallmark Christmas romance".[33]

He has cited Jon Bellion, Passenger, and Wande Coal as his key contemporary influences.[5]

In 2020, Fireboy DML gained media coverage in Nigeria when his hit single "Champion" was used by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations.[34] His song "Scatter" from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack.[35] In November 2022, his song, "Coming Back For You," was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.[36]

Fireboy DML received a plaque for having sold out Royal Albert Hall in 2025.[37]

Discography

Main articles: Fireboy DML discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Prize Recipient Result Ref
2019 The Headies Next Rated Himself Nominated [38]
Viewer's Choice Nominated
Song of the Year "Jealous" Nominated
City People Music Awards Most Promising Act of the Year Himself Won [39]
Best New Act of the Year Nominated
Revelation of the Year Nominated
2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Song of the Year "Jealous" Nominated [40]
Listeners' Choice Fireboy DML for "Jealous" Won
Best New MVP Himself Nominated
Mobo Award Best African Act Himself Won
The Headies Album of the Year Apollo Won [41][42]
Best Pop Album Won
Best R&B Album "Tears, Laughter and Goosebumps" Won
Best R&B Single "Tattoo" Won
Headies Revelation Fireboy DML Won
2021 African Entertainment Awards USA Song of the Year "Peru" Nominated
All Africa Music Awards African Fan's Favourite Himself Won
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding International Song "Peru" Nominated [43][44]
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music (Endowed by Infinix) Himself Nominated [45]
2022 The Headies Best Songwriter of the Year "Peru" Nominated [46]
Best Afrobeat Single (Nigeria) Won
Song of the Year Nominated
Viewer's Choice Himself for "Peru" Nominated
Mobo Award Best African Act Himself Nominated
BET Awards Best International Act Himself Nominated [47]

References

  1. ↑ AFAR. ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved July 10, 2023
  2. ↑ It's Fireboy DML's Birthday! Here Are Some Facts About the Elusive Singer. NotJustOk. February 5, 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2024
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Watch Fireboy DML's New Music Video for 'Need You'. OkayAfrica. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fireboy DML album make pipo do wow!. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2020
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 The New Guard of Nigerian Musicians. The New York Times. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  6. ↑ Oloworekende, WaleMeet Fireboy DML, the Rising Nigerian Star of 'Afro-Life' Music. Dazed. 11 February 2020
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Watch the Cinematic Music Video for Fireboy DML's "Jealous". Native. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  8. ↑ Jealous - Single by Fireboy DML. Apple Music. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020
  9. ↑ What If I Say - Single by Fireboy DML. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fireboy DML shares music video for romantic new single, "What If I Say". Native. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  11. ↑ Telegraph, NewMusic Plugger, Sheriff Salaudeen, celebrates decade of impactful entertainment - New Telegraph. New Telegraph. 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2024-07-13
  12. ↑ King - Single by Fireboy DML. Apple Music. 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Fireboy DML brings Lover Boy feels to new video, "King". Native. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps' is a commendable debut by Fireboy. Pulse Nigeria. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020
  15. ↑ Fireboy DML Announces his debut album 'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps'. Native. 6 November 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020
  16. ↑ News:- Fireboy DML's Album "Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps" Hits 6Million Spotify Streams In 3days. Nigerian Sounds. 2 December 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020
  17. ↑ Fireboy DML, an urban romance. Pan African Music. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020
  18. ↑ Fireboy releases tracklist for 17-track new album, 'Apollo'. Pulse Nigeria. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020
  19. ↑ APOLLO. Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  20. ↑ Esomnofu, EmmanuelAlbum Review: Fireboy DML's APOLLO: Does He Avoid The Sophomore Slump?. NOTJUSTOK. 21 August 2020
  21. ↑ Peru affirms Fireboy DML's Afrobeats intelligence. Music in Africa. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  22. ↑ Hear Nigerian artist Ladipoe's dark new track featuring Afrobeats star Fireboy DML. GrungeCake.com. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  23. ↑ New Video: WSTRN feat. Fireboy DML – Be My Guest. Bella Naija. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  24. ↑ Watch Fireboy DML Perform "Champion/Vibration" Medley on Fallon. Pitchfork. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  25. ↑ Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran - Peru. OkayWap. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022
  26. ↑ Fireboy DML Sets New Milestone On Billboard Charts With 'Peru'. NotJustOk. 7 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022
  27. ↑ Official Singles Chart Top 100. 16 January 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022
  28. ↑ Madonna sizzles next to Afrobeats star Fireboy DML in collaboration teaser. March 2022
  29. ↑ my third studio album, "playboy" - out on the 5th of August. available for pre-save now.. Twitter. Retrieved 2022-07-07
  30. ↑ Garcia, ThaniaJustin Timberlake Reveals Tracklist for 'Everything I Thought It Was' Album, Confirming New NSYNC Single. Variety. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024
  31. ↑ Espinoza, JoshuaJustin Timberlake Releases His Sixth Studio Album 'Everything I Thought It Was'. Complex. March 15, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024
  32. ↑ Iasimone, Ashley(2024-09-02)Fans Choose Fireboy DML's 'Adedamola' as This Week's Favorite New Music. Billboard. Retrieved 2024-09-05
  33. ↑ Pierre, AlphonseThe Ones: Fireboy DML's "Like I Do". Pitchfork. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2020
  34. ↑ European champions, Bayern Munich uses Fireboy's 'Champion' to celebrate European Super Cup win. Pulse Nigeria. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2021
  35. ↑ Fireboy, Burna Boy and Rema feature on FIFA 21 soundtrack. Pulse Nigeria. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020
  36. ↑ 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Music From and Inspired By Soundtrack Launches Globally on November 4. Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved 2022-11-17
  37. ↑ Nigeria, GuardianRomantic moment steals show at Fireboy DML’s royal albert hall concert. The Guardian. 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2025-04-20
  38. ↑ Headies 2019: Here are all the winners at the 13th edition of music award. Pulse Nigeria. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019
  39. ↑ Reporter#CityPeopleMusicAwards: Nominees List Out. City People Magazine. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2020
  40. ↑ Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Teni & More Win Big at 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards. OkayAfrica. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2020
  41. ↑ Fireboy leads pack of winners at 14th Headies. Vanguard. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021
  42. ↑ 14th Headies: Fire Boy tops winners list with five awards (FULL LIST). Premium Times. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021
  43. ↑ NAACP Image Awards: 'Harder They Fall,' 'Insecure' Lead Nominations. The Hollywood Reporter. 18 January 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022
  44. ↑ NAACP Image Awards Winners Include Jazmine Sullivan, Will Smith, Red Table Talk. Vulture. 26 February 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022
  45. ↑ Infinix is sponsoring the music category of the Future Awards Africa 2022. Pulse Nigeria. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022
  46. ↑ Full list: Wizkid, Davido get 2022 Headies nominations. The Punch. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022
  47. ↑ BET Awards 2022 Nominees Announced. BET. Retrieved 2 June 2022
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