- Fireboy DML, born Adedamola Adefolahan on 5 February 1996 in Abeokuta, signed to Olamide’s YBNL in 2018.
- His song “Peru” with Ed Sheeran reached number 2 on the UK singles chart.
- His albums mix Afrobeats, R&B and a touch of highlife with lyrics about love.
The short answer
Fireboy DML writes songs about love, heartbreak and hope, with a warm, melodic voice and a touch of highlife and gospel. He is often called the poet of Afro-pop romance. His song “Peru”, especially the remix with Ed Sheeran, became one of the best-known Nigerian songs in the world.
Early life
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan was born on 5 February 1996 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. As a child he sang in his church choir. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University and began recording songs seriously during his student days before moving to Lagos.
Joining YBNL
In 2018 Fireboy signed with YBNL Nation, the label founded by Olamide. His single “Jealous” appeared on the YBNL compilation YBNL Mafia Family and quickly attracted attention. The label’s distribution partnership with Empire helped his music travel beyond Nigeria.
Albums and milestones
| Release | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps | November 2019 | Debut album; won Best R&B Album at the Headies; included “Vibration” and “Scatter” |
| Apollo | 2020 | Won Album of the Year and Best Pop Album at the Headies |
| “Peru” | 2021 | Became his biggest hit; the Ed Sheeran remix followed in December |
| Playboy | 2022 | Entered the Billboard 200 at number 123 |
| Adedamola | 2024 | Fourth studio album |
“Peru” around the world
“Peru” first spread on its own in 2021. The remix with Ed Sheeran debuted at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 2 on the UK Official Singles Chart. A further remix featured American rappers 21 Savage and Blxst. His song “Scatter” was also included on the FIFA 21 soundtrack.
What makes his songs special
- Love-focused lyrics that feel like a diary.
- A smooth, emotional voice with gospel and highlife influences. Learn about the roots in highlife.
- Melodies that stay in your head after one listen.
- Stripped-back, guitar-friendly arrangements that suit live shows.
Working with other artists
Fireboy has worked with global stars and with his YBNL family, including a song with Asake. These partnerships help each artist reach the other’s audience, a tactic described in how streaming playlists and recommendations work.
Lessons for new artists
- Write honestly about feelings people recognise.
- Let a hit song grow naturally, then support it with remixes and features.
- Mix styles that suit your voice.
- Use live performance to deepen your connection. See stage fright.
Career timeline
- 2018: signs to YBNL.
- 2019: “Jealous” becomes a hit and he releases Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps.
- 2021: releases Apollo.
- 2022: “Peru” spreads worldwide with an Ed Sheeran remix.
Where to start listening
- “Jealous”: the song that introduced him.
- Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps: a debut album that shows his songwriting.
- “Peru”: the global hit.
- Apollo: a more polished, confident second album.
Common questions
- Who discovered Fireboy DML? Olamide, the founder of YBNL.
- What is his music about? Mostly love, heartbreak, faith and personal growth.
- Is he the same as other YBNL artists? No. Although they share a label, each artist has a different sound. Read about Asake for a contrast.
What songwriters can learn
Fireboy’s songs are simple, direct and emotional. They do not rely on complicated words. For songwriters, the lesson is that a clear, honest line can hit harder than a clever one. Write about real feelings, keep the melody easy to remember and let the production support the story instead of covering it.
If you are writing your own songs, read our guide on how to write a hook in songwriting basics for practical steps.
Quick facts
- Born 5 February 1996 in Abeokuta
- Signed to YBNL in 2018
- Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps released on 29 November 2019
- “Peru” with Ed Sheeran reached number 2 in the UK
- Adedamola released in 2024
Key points to remember
Fireboy DML shows that emotion and melody can travel anywhere. Facts in this profile were checked against reference sources in October 2026. Chart positions, awards and release dates can change, so check official pages for the latest details. Read more about the label that launched him in our profile of Olamide.
