Fireboy DML’s “Change,” the opening song of new album Playboy, begins with a plain-spoken revelation: “My life dey make more sense as I get older,” he speaks over sweet-sounding keys. Continuing, the Nigerian singer-songwriter opens up about the blessings of his rapidly evolving day-to-day — global recognition, charting hits — but these newfound pleasures aren’t without discomfort. Fireboy is unsure if people are using him for his talents, and he’s beginning to feel the pressures that come with having to balance his career as an artist with his personal life. It’s a sobering, clear-eyed reflection on his rapid ascension.
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In 2018, Fireboy’s enchanting song “Jealous” was released as part of YBNL Mafia Family, a compilation highlighting artists signed to veteran Afrobeats musician Olamide’s YBNL Nation label. The song would be re-released the following year, giving Fireboy his first big break. His debut album — the tender Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps — would be released later that same year, followed by his sophomore LP Apollo in 2020, which pushed his songwriting to new levels of vulnerability and openness. On Playboy, out today via YBNL and EMPIRE, he’s ready to show another side of himself, tapping into a more playful and braggadocious persona. It’s maybe best represented by “Peru,” the sticky and sultry jam that earned him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry and was remixed by Ed Sheeran. While Fireboy’s past albums focused more on balladry, Playboy puts increased emphasis on his keen pop instincts and irresistible hooks.
On the eve of Playboy’s release, I spoke to Fireboy DML about opening himself up to collaboration, valuing solitude, and Afrobeats’ global takeover.
Read The Whole Interview Here
