Fireboy DML
{{Short description|Nigerian singer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Fireboy DML
| image = Fireboy DML.png
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption = Fireboy DML in 2019
| birth_name = Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/916095283 |title=AFAR |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=July 10, 2023}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|2|5|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| alias =
| origin =
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
}}
| years_active = 2014–present
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| website = {{URL|fireboydml.com}}
}}
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (born 5 February 1996),{{cite web |author1=Bamise Oyetayo |title=It's Fireboy DML's Birthday! Here Are Some Facts About the Elusive Singer |url=https://notjustok.com/article/lists/its-fireboy-dmls-birthday-here-are-some-facts-about-the-elusive-singer/ |publisher=NotJustOk |access-date=6 April 2024 |date=February 5, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-watch-music-video-for-fireboy-dml-new-song-need-you-laughter-tears-goosebumps-album/|title=Watch Fireboy DML's New Music Video for 'Need You'|date=14 January 2020|website=OkayAfrica|language=en|access-date=17 January 2020|quote=The 23-year-old artist...}} 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.{{Cite news|date=29 November 2019|title=Fireboy DML album make pipo do wow!|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-50597826|access-date=17 January 2020}} His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His third studio album, Playboy, entered the Billboard 200 at number 123. His latest album, Adedamola, was released in 2024.
Early life
Fireboy DML was born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun state, and was a member of his church choir.{{cite web |first1=Joey |last1=Akan |title=The New Guard of Nigerian Musicians |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/29/t-magazine/nigerian-musicians-fireboy-dml-odunsi-the-engine.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=1 February 2020|date=29 August 2019}} 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.{{cite web|last=Oloworekende|first=Wale|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/47899/1/fireboy-dml-interview|title=Meet Fireboy DML, the Rising Nigerian Star of 'Afro-Life' Music|website=Dazed|date=11 February 2020}}
Career
=2018-2020: Debut 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.{{cite web |first1=Debola |last1=Abimbolu |title= Watch the Cinematic Music Video for Fireboy DML's "Jealous"|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-cinematic-music-video-fireboy-dmls/ |website=Native |access-date=1 February 2020 |date=26 March 2019}}{{cite web |title=Jealous - Single by Fireboy DML |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/jealous-single/1457591530 |website=Apple Music |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=25 March 2019}} The song is composed of guitar riffs, traditional drums and percussion; it combines African harmonies with elements of country and soul music. "Jealous" was produced by Cracker Mallo and is centered around love and the complicated feelings that go along with it. The visuals for "Jealous" were directed by Director K.
In June 2019, Fireboy DML released the ballad single "What If I Say".{{cite news |title=What If I Say - Single by Fireboy DML |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-if-i-say-single/1465686049 |website=Apple Music |access-date=1 February 2020 |date=14 June 2019}} It was produced by Pheelz, who incorporated a mix of percussion, ambient synth harmonies, and a drum riff into the production{{cite web |first1=Debola |last1=Abimbolu |title=Fireboy DML shares music video for romantic new single, "What If I Say" |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/fireboy-dml-shares-music-video-romantic-new-single-say/ |website=Native |access-date=1 February 2020 |date=14 June 2019}} and plugged by Olaitan.{{Cite web |last=Telegraph |first=New |date=2021-04-23 |title=Music Plugger, Sheriff Salaudeen, celebrates decade of impactful entertainment - New Telegraph |url=https://newtelegraphng.com/music-plugger-sheriff-salaudeen-celebrates-decade-of-impactful-entertainment/,%20https://newtelegraphng.com/music-plugger-sheriff-salaudeen-celebrates-decade-of-impactful-entertainment/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=newtelegraphng.com |language=en-US}} The visuals for "What If I Say" was directed by TG Omori. On 1 August 2019, Fireboy DML released another single titled "King", where he declares his worth to his love interest.{{cite web |title=King - Single by Fireboy DML |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/king-single/1475174591 |website=Apple Music |access-date=1 February 2020 |date=1 August 2019}}{{cite web |first1=Debola |last1=Abimbolu |title=Fireboy DML brings Lover Boy feels to new video, "King"|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-fireboy-dml-declare-worth-enthralling-music-video-king/ |website=Native |access-date=1 February 2020 |date=17 September 2019}} The accompanying music video for "King" 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.
Fireboy released his debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, on 29 November 2019. It was initially scheduled for release on 25 November.{{cite web |first1=Motolani |last1=Alake |title='Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps' is a commendable debut by Fireboy |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/fireboy-laughter-tears-and-goosebumps-album-review/w6devcw |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=1 December 2019}} The album's music is a brand of R&B that combines love and social issues with empirical songwriting. LTG comprises 13 tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist; it amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify three days after its release.{{cite web |first1=Tami |last1=Makinde |title= Fireboy DML Announces his debut album 'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps'|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/fireboy-dml-laughter-tears-goosebumps/ |website=Native |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=6 November 2019}}{{cite web |first1=Nonni |last1=Wyldwolf |title=News:- Fireboy DML's Album "Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps" Hits 6Million Spotify Streams In 3days |url=https://madthisloaded.ml/ |website=Nigerian Sounds |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=2 December 2019}} 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".{{cite web |first1=François |last1=Renoncourt |title=Fireboy DML, an urban romance |url=https://pan-african-music.com/en/fireboy-dml-laughter-tears-goosebumps/ |website=Pan African Music |access-date=9 February 2020 |date=21 November 2019}} The single "Vibration" was a fan favourite.
On 17 August 2020, Fireboy unveiled the tracklist to his sophomore studio album, Apollo.{{Cite web |date=17 August 2020|title=Fireboy releases tracklist for 17-track new album, 'Apollo'|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/olamide-and-wande-coal-to-feature-on-fireboys-new-album-apollo/qztp75h|access-date=20 August 2020|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} 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".{{cite web |last1=Ani |first1=Ivie |title=APOLLO |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/fireboy-dml-apollo/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=21 November 2021}} 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."{{cite web|last=Esomnofu|first=Emmanuel|url=https://notjustok.com/article/album-review/album-review-fireboy-dmls-apollo-does-he-avoid-the-sophomore-slump/|title=Album Review: Fireboy DML's APOLLO: Does He Avoid The Sophomore Slump?|date=21 August 2020|website=NOTJUSTOK}}
In 2021, Fireboy released the single "Peru," which Music in Africa wrote "affirms [his] Afrobeats intelligence."{{cite web |last1=Hansen |first1=Gabrielle Myers |title=Peru affirms Fireboy DML's Afrobeats intelligence |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/peru-affirms-fireboy-dmls-afrobeats-intelligence |website=Music in Africa |date=4 November 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021}} He was featured on Ladipoe's hit "Running"{{cite web |last1=Bartee |first1=Richardine |title=Hear Nigerian artist Ladipoe's dark new track featuring Afrobeats star Fireboy DML |url=https://grungecake.com/ladipoe-running-fireboy-dml/articles/83642 |website=GrungeCake.com |access-date=21 November 2021}} and WSTRN's single "Be My Guest",{{cite web |title=New Video: WSTRN feat. Fireboy DML – Be My Guest |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/11/wstrn-fireboy-dml-be-my-guest-2/ |website=Bella Naija |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Bloom |first1=Madison |title=Watch Fireboy DML Perform "Champion/Vibration" Medley on Fallon |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-fireboy-dml-perform-championvibration-medley-on-fallon/ |website=Pitchfork |date=13 February 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021}}
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).{{Cite web|url=https://okaywap.com/video/fireboy-dml-ed-sheeran-peru-v4/|title=Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran - Peru|date = 12 February 2022|website=OkayWap|language=en|access-date=20 February 2022}}{{cite web |title=Fireboy DML Sets New Milestone On Billboard Charts With 'Peru' |url=https://notjustok.com/news/fireboy-dml-billboard-peru/|website=NotJustOk |date = 7 February 2022|access-date=7 February 2022}}{{cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 | work=Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20220128/7501/|date = 16 January 2022|access-date=17 November 2022}}
=2022-present: Collaborations, ''Playboy'' and ''Adedamola''=
On 3 March 2022, Fireboy was featured on the Sickick remix to Madonna's 1998 single "Frozen".{{cite web | url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/03/01/madonna-sizzles-next-to-afrobeats-star-fireboy-dml-in-frozen-teaser-16193943/ | title=Madonna sizzles next to Afrobeats star Fireboy DML in collaboration teaser | date=March 2022}} 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{{Cite web |title=my third studio album, "playboy" - out on the 5th of August. available for pre-save now. |url=https://twitter.com/fireboydml/status/1544758953812365312 |access-date=2022-07-07 |website=Twitter |language=en}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/justin-timberlake-tracklist-everything-i-thought-it-was-new-album-nsync-1235929291/|title=Justin Timberlake Reveals Tracklist for 'Everything I Thought It Was' Album, Confirming New NSYNC Single|website=Variety|last=Garcia|first=Thania|date=March 4, 2024|access-date=March 16, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/joshua-espinoza/justin-timberlake-everything-i-thought-it-was-album|title=Justin Timberlake Releases His Sixth Studio Album 'Everything I Thought It Was'|website=Complex|last=Espinoza|first=Joshua|date=March 15, 2024|access-date=March 16, 2024}} 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”.{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=2024-09-02 |title=Fans Choose Fireboy DML's 'Adedamola' as This Week's Favorite New Music |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fireboy-dml-adedamola-favorite-new-music-poll-results-1235765353/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}
Artistry
Fireboy describes his sound as "Afro-Life" and said he writes songs that audiences can relate to. 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".{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/levels/fireboy-dml-like-i-do-new-song-listen/|title=The Ones: Fireboy DML's "Like I Do"|last=Pierre|first=Alphonse|date=4 December 2019|website=Pitchfork|language=en|access-date=21 May 2020}}
He has cited Jon Bellion, Passenger, and Wande Coal as his key contemporary influences.
In popular culture
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.{{cite web |last1=Alake |first1=Motolani |title=European champions, Bayern Munich uses Fireboy's 'Champion' to celebrate European Super Cup win |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/download-champ-by-fireboy-dml-ft-d-smoke/wfmr4vm |website=Pulse Nigeria |date=28 September 2020 |access-date=21 November 2021}}
His song "Scatter" from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack.{{cite web |last1=Alake |first1=Motolani |title=Fireboy, Burna Boy and Rema feature on FIFA 21 soundtrack |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/fireboy-burna-boy-and-rema-feature-on-fifa-21-soundtrack-alongside-dua-lipa-aitch-and/djsshjy |website=Pulse Nigeria |date=28 September 2020 |access-date=29 September 2020}}
In November 2022, his song, "Coming Back For You," was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.{{Cite web |title='Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Music From and Inspired By Soundtrack Launches Globally on November 4 |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/black-panther-wakanda-forever-music-inspired-by-soundtrack |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}
[https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/weekend-beats/romantic-moment-steals-show-at-fireboy-dmls-royal-albert-hall-concert/ Fireboy DML received a plaque] as he joins Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Wizkid, Jay-Z, The Beatles, Adele and Elton John on the list of Artistes who have sold out London's most iconic venue, Royal Albert Hall.{{Cite web |last=Nigeria |first=Guardian |date=2025-04-19 |title=Romantic moment steals show at Fireboy DML’s royal albert hall concert |url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/weekend-beats/romantic-moment-steals-show-at-fireboy-dmls-royal-albert-hall-concert/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
Discography
{{Main|Fireboy DML discography}}
Studio albums
- Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019)
- Apollo (2020)
- Playboy (2022)
- Adedamola (2024)
Awards and nominations
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Fireboy DML}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Nigerian pop musicians
Category:English-language singers from Nigeria
Category:Yoruba-language singers of Nigeria
Category:Obafemi Awolowo University alumni
Category:21st-century Nigerian musicians
Category:Musicians from Abeokuta