FIREBOY DML

Early Life and Education

Fireboy DML was born on February 5, 1996, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Christian family and was a member of his local church choir. He developed a love for poetry and music at a young age, citing artists like Celine Dion, Elton John, Passenger, Wande Coal, and Jon Bellion as major influences. He pursued his higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English. After completing his studies, he moved to Lagos to pursue a full-time career in music.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Initially, Fireboy DML focused on songwriting, penning tracks for other artists before deciding to perform his own music. His career took a significant turn when he was signed to YBNL Nation in 2018, a record label founded by renowned Nigerian rapper Olamide.

His breakthrough single, "Jealous," was first featured on the YBNL Nation collaborative album YBNL Mafia Family (2018) before being officially re-released in March 2019. The song, a blend of African harmonies with country and soul elements, became a massive hit and established him as a rising star.

Albums and Musical Style

Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (2019)
Fireboy DML released his debut studio album, Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, in November 2019. The album, which featured no guest artists, was a critical and commercial success, amassing over 6 million streams on Spotify within days of its release. It included hit singles like "Jealous," "What If I Say," and the fan-favorite "Vibration." The album showcased his "Afro-Life" style, which blends R&B with love and social themes.

Apollo (2020)
His sophomore album, Apollo, was released in August 2020. This project demonstrated his growth as an artist and featured collaborations with Olamide, Wande Coal, and American rapper D Smoke. The album included popular tracks such as "Champion," "Tattoo," and "New York City Girl."

Playboy (2022) and Adedamola (2024)
He continued his musical journey with the release of his third studio album, Playboy, in 2022, which entered the Billboard 200 chart. His latest album, Adedamola, was released in 2024.

International Success

Fireboy DML achieved massive international recognition with his 2021 hit single "Peru." A remix featuring British superstar Ed Sheeran propelled the song onto the global stage, reaching the UK's Official Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has since been certified 2x Platinum in the United States.

His music has been featured in the FIFA 21 soundtrack ("Scatter") and the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ("Coming Back For You"). He has also collaborated with global icon Madonna.