Before Fireboy DML became one of Nigeria’s leading Afrobeats stars, his life was far from glamorous. Adedamola Adefolahan, famously known as Fireboy DML, shared an emotional story about his struggles before his breakthrough. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree, he was on the brink of selling rechargeable lamps under Ajah Bridge in Lagos.
Fireboy revealed that he had previously been selling pepper soup at a joint and wanted to transition to a more dignified business. A chance encounter with someone who introduced him to the idea of selling lamps made him seriously consider the venture. Unknown to his parents, he was juggling menial jobs and contemplating new opportunities, unaware of what the future had in store.
The turning point came when Olamide, the iconic rapper and music executive, discovered Fireboy’s talent and signed him to YBNL Nation in 2018. Interestingly, this life-changing record deal was made via WhatsApp—an anecdote that highlights the unconventional paths to success in today’s world.
Fireboy burst onto the scene with his hit single ‘Jealous’, featured in YBNL Nation’s collaborative album YBNL Mafia Family. His debut album, Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps in 2019, cemented his status as a force to reckon with in the music industry.
His journey from contemplating the sale of lamps to becoming a global sensation is a testament to resilience and the power of a single opportunity to transform lives. Fireboy’s story continues to inspire his fans and serves as a reminder that even in the face of hardship, dreams can become reality.
