Fireboy DML at 30: The Voice of Modern Afrobeats & Creativity

Today, Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, known as Fireboy DML, celebrates his 30th birthday. This marks an important moment for one of Africa’s most influential musical stars.

Born on 5 February 1996 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Fireboy has gone from a local songwriter to a global Afrobeats icon, connecting emotions with pan-African rhythm.

Fireboy began his music journey in church choirs during his youth. His passion grew while he studied English at Obafemi Awolowo University, then he moved to Lagos to focus on music full-time.

In 2018, Fireboy signed with the Nigerian label YBNL Nation, which rapper Olamide founded. This deal launched his career and led to his breakthrough.

His debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019), released without any featured artists, showcased his unique sound and included hit songs like “Jealous” and “Scatter.”

Both critics and fans praise his ability to blend Afrobeats, R&B, and soul into what he calls Afro-Life. This style is rooted in African rhythms but tells personal stories through emotional lyrics.

His 2021 single “Peru” marked a significant moment in his career. The remix with global star Ed Sheeran brought the track to the UK Top 10 and earned platinum certifications. This achievement made Fireboy one of the few African artists to reach such international chart success.

Fireboy’s later albums, Apollo (2020), Playboy (2022), and Adedamola (2024), show his artistic growth and expanding influence. His collaborations have included international artists and contributions to global soundtracks.

For example, the song “Coming Back For You” appears on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, demonstrating the reach of his music beyond Africa.

Now, at 30, Fireboy DML is not just a chart-topping recording artist but also a creative force changing how the world hears modern African music. He fuses traditional influences with contemporary styles and emotional depth.