Fireboy DML, born on February 5, 1996, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter.
He is affiliated with YBNL Nation, a record label established by rapper Olamide. Fireboy DML’s first studio album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,” dropped in 2019. He clinched the Listener’s Choice award and earned a Song of the Year nomination for “Jealous” at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
Early life and Education
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State, and spent his formative years there. He actively participated in his church choir. His passion for music grew during his time at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Career
Fireboy DML’s breakthrough single, “Jealous,” initially featured on YBNL Nation’s collaborative album “YBNL Mafia Family” in 2018, before its re-release on March 25, 2019. The song blends guitar riffs, traditional drums, and percussion, fusing African harmonies with country and soul music elements. Produced by Cracker Mallo, “Jealous” delves into themes of love and its complexities, with visuals directed by Director K.
Following “Jealous,” Fireboy DML dropped the romantic single “What If I Say” in June 2019, produced by Pheelz. The track incorporates percussion, ambient synth harmonies, and drum riffs. Its accompanying video was directed by TG Omori. In August 2019, Fireboy released “King,” where he asserts his value to his love interest, with TG Omori directing the music video featuring luxurious visuals.
Fireboy’s debut studio album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,” arrived on November 29, 2019, showcasing a brand of R&B addressing love and social issues. The album, featuring 13 tracks sans guest artists, received positive reviews from critics despite some criticism for its genre labeling. Supported by hits like “Jealous,” “What If I Say,” and “King,” it quickly gained popularity, especially the fan-favorite “Vibration.”
In August 2020, Fireboy unveiled the tracklist for his sophomore album, “Apollo.” Critically acclaimed, it received praise for its melodious, detailed, and effortless blend of pop and R&B, with themes ranging from introspection to love, lust, and ambition.
In 2021, Fireboy DML dropped the single “Peru,” praised by Music in Africa for showcasing his Afrobeats prowess. He also featured on Ladipoe’s hit track “Running,” WSTRN’s “Be My Guest,” and Cheque’s “History.” Making a notable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he performed a medley of “Vibration” from “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,” and “Champion” from “Apollo.”
On December 24, 2021, he released a version of “Peru” with Ed Sheeran. This collaboration soared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached number 2 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart in 2022.
On March 3, 2022, Fireboy collaborated on the Sickick remix of Madonna’s 1998 hit “Frozen,” with the official music video shot on the same day. Then, on July 6, 2022, he took to his official Twitter account to announce the upcoming release of his third studio album, titled “PLAYBOY,” set to drop by August 5, 2022. In 2024, Fireboy was featured on the Justin Timberlake track “Liar.”
Personal life 
Fireboy DML coined his sound as “Afro-Life,” aiming to craft relatable songs for his audience. Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork labeled his music as “slow-groove pop,” noting its thematic focus on love akin to a Hallmark Christmas romance.
Inspired by artists like Jon Bellion, Passenger, and Wande Coal, Fireboy’s music blends various influences to create his unique style. He gained widespread attention in Nigeria in 2020 when his track “Champion” was embraced by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations.
Additionally, his song “Scatter” from the album “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps” featured on the FIFA 21 game soundtrack, further expanding his reach. In November 2022, his track “Coming Back For You” made it onto the soundtrack of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” solidifying his presence on an international scale.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 2 million dollars