Fireboy DML

Adedamola Adefolahan (born 1996/1997),[1] known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[2] He is signed to YBNL Nation, an independent record label founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide.[2] His debut studio album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was released in 2019.[2] He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.[1]

Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML chatting with Wazobia Max TV in March 2019
Background information
Birth nameAdedamola Adefolahan
Also known asFireboy
Born1996/1997
Ogun State, Nigeria
GenresAfrobeats, R&B
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2012-present
Associated actsOlamide
Websitefireboydml.com

Career

2018–present: "Jealous" and Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps

Fireboy DML grew up in Abeokuta and was a member of his local church choir.[3] He developed interest in music while studying at Obafemi Awolowo University. His breakthrough single "Jealous" first appeared on YBNL Nation's collaborative album YBNL Mafia Family (2018), before being re-released on 25 March 2019.[4][5] The song is composed of guitar riffs, traditional drums and percussion; it combines African harmonies with elements of country and soul music.[4][3] "Jealous" was produced by Cracker Mallo and is centered around love and the complicated feelings that go along with it.[3] The visuals for "Jealous" was directed by Director K.[4]

On 14 June 2019, Fireboy DML released the romantic single "What If I Say".[6] It was produced by Pheelz, who incorporated a mix of percussion, ambient synth harmonies, and a drum riff into the production.[7] The visuals for "What If I Say" was directed by TG Omori.[7] On 1 August 2019, Fireboy DML released the Echo the Guru-produced single "King"; in it, he declares his worth to his love interest.[8][9] 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, as well as images of him singing at a fashion show where models walk on a runway.[9]

Fireboy DML released his debut studio album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps on 29 November 2019. It was initially scheduled for release on 25 November.[10] The album's music is a brand of R&B that combines love and social issues with empirical songwriting.[10] LTG comprises 13 tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist; it amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify three days after its release.[11][12] 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".[13]

Fireboy DML has cited Jon Bellion, Passenger and Wande Coal as his key contemporary influences.[3]

Artistry

Fireboy DML describes his sound as "Afro-Life" and said he writes songs that audiences can relate to.[3] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork characterized his sound as "slow-groove pop" and said it "tells stories about love with the formulaic structure of a Hallmark Christmas romance".[14]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles
  • "Jealous" (2019)
  • "What If I Say" (2019)
  • "King" (2019)

Awards and nominations
Year Award ceremony Prize Recipient Result Ref
2019 The Headies Next Rated Himself Nominated [15]
Viewer's Choice Nominated
Song of the Year "Jealous" Nominated
City People Music Awards Popular Song of the Year "Baby" Nominated [16]
Most Promising Act of the Year Himself Won
Best New Act of the Year Nominated
Revelation of the Year Nominated
2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Song of the Year "Jealous" Nominated [17]
Listeners' Choice Fireboy DML for "Jealous" Won
Best New MVP Himself Nominated

References
  1. "Watch Fireboy DML's New Music Video for 'Need You'". OkayAfrica. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020. The 23-year-old artist...
  2. "Fireboy DML album make pipo do wow!". BBC News Pidgin. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  3. Joey Akan (29 August 2019). "The New Guard of Nigerian Musicians". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  4. Debola Abimbolu (26 March 2019). "Watch the Cinematic Music Video for Fireboy DML's "Jealous"". Native. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  5. "Jealous - Single by Fireboy DML". Apple Music. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  6. "What If I Say - Single by Fireboy DML". Apple Music. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  7. Debola Abimbolu (14 June 2019). "Fireboy DML shares music video for romantic new single, "What If I Say"". Native. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  8. "King - Single by Fireboy DML". Apple Music. 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  9. Debola Abimbolu (17 September 2019). "Fireboy DML brings Lover Boy feels to new video, "King"". Native. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  10. Motolani Alake (1 December 2019). "'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps' is a commendable debut by Fireboy". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  11. Tami Makinde (6 November 2019). "Fireboy DML Announces his debut album 'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps'". Native. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  12. Nonni Wyldwolf (2 December 2019). "News:- Fireboy DML's Album "Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps" Hits 6Million Spotify Streams In 3days". Nigerian Sounds. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  13. François Renoncourt (21 November 2019). "Fireboy DML, an urban romance". Pan African Music. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  14. Pierre, Alphonse (4 December 2019). "The Ones: Fireboy DML's "Like I Do"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  15. Gbenga Bada (20 October 2019). "Headies 2019: Here are all the winners at the 13th edition of music award". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  16. Reporter (25 October 2019). "#CityPeopleMusicAwards: Nominees List Out". City People Magazine. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  17. Damola Durosomo (13 January 2020). "Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Teni & More Win Big at 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
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