Acclaimed Nigerian pop sensation Fireboy DML, who soared to fame with his 2019 debut album ‘Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps,’ has undoubtedly become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s music scene.
In a recent conversation on Beat FM, Fireboy was asked if he would continue creating the same type of music that propelled him to stardom with his debut album. His response indicated a clear evolution in his artistic journey.
Reflecting on his growth, Fireboy expressed that he has transitioned into a new phase, having encountered various life experiences that have profoundly influenced his musical style.
“Artists evolve; it’s a natural progression as human beings,” Fireboy emphasized, shedding light on the impossibility of maintaining the same mindset he held as a 23-year-old creator while now being a 27-year-old millionaire with an array of diverse encounters. The popular singer, whose real name is Adedamola Adefolahan said his music has evolved since releasing his debut album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps’ in 2019.
He noted that since then he has become a millionaire and more exposed, stressing that it would be impossible for him to make another project that would sound like his debut album.
The ‘Peru’ crooner urged those complaining about his new music style to listen to his debut album if they miss the “old” him, maintaining that he was now in a “new place.”
Fireboy said: “Sometimes you may think you are one person then N50 million will enter your account and you will realise you are a different person. There were a lot of things I said I would never do or be until I became a millionaire.”
Fireboy initially captivated audiences with a “lover boy” persona in his debut album ‘LTG,’ a vibe he carried forward into his sophomore release ‘Apollo.’
“So, how do you expect a 27-year-old millionaire, who has experienced life to make another album like ‘LTG’ again? Think about it. How? Even the album [‘LTG’] it’s not every time you going to be in the mood to listen to it. Sometimes, it maybe ‘Apollo’, or ‘Playboy.’ I think people need to understand that artists are human beings too and they need to grow.”
His candid remarks on personal development resonate with his fan base, many of whom continue to clamor for the return of the music that initially captivated them.
However, his third album, ‘Playboy,’ showcased a striking departure from his previous image, embracing a more daring and adventurous playboy persona. This shift left fans grappling with reconciling the new artistic direction with the cherished image of the “lover boy.”
Despite fan expectations, Fireboy seems resolute in not reverting to his earlier musical style. His latest interview signifies a shift in mindset, indicating a firm embrace of his new persona while simultaneously aiming to deliver exceptional music that invites listeners to join him on this fresh creative journey.
By Josephine Njoroge