Fireboy DML

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (; born 5 February 1996), 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. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 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.

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. The song is composed of guitar riffs, traditional drums and percussion; it combines African harmonies with elements of country and soul music. It was produced by Pheelz, who incorporated a mix of percussion, ambient synth harmonies, and a drum riff into the production and plugged by Olaitan. The visuals for "What If I Say" was directed by TG Omori. 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. The album's music is a brand of R&B that combines love and social issues with empirical songwriting. 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". The single "Vibration" was a fan favourite.

On 17 August 2020, Fireboy unveiled the tracklist to his sophomore studio album, Apollo. 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". 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."

In 2021, Fireboy released the single "Peru," which Music in Africa wrote "affirms [his] Afrobeats intelligence." He was featured on Ladipoe's hit "Running" and WSTRN's single "Be My Guest", 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.

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).

2022–present: Collaborations, Playboy and Adedamola On 3 March 2022, Fireboy was featured on the Sickick remix to Madonna's 1998 single "Frozen". 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 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. 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".

Artistry Fireboy describes his sound as "Afro-Life" and said he writes songs to which the audiences can relate.

He has cited Jon Bellion, Passenger, and Wande Coal as his key contemporary influences. His song "Scatter" from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack. In November 2022, his song, "Coming Back For You," was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

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

Discography

Studio albums Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019) Apollo (2020) Playboy (2022) Adedamola (2024)

Awards and nominations