Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has shared details of his difficult past.

He revealed that he was close to selling rechargeable lamps under Ajah Bridge in Lagos before gaining recognition in the music industry.

“Thank God for Olamide signing me. I was considering selling rechargeable lamps. I met one guy under Ajah Bridge; he was telling me about the business, and I told him I was interested.”
Firboy DML

He added that, at the time, such a trade seemed more respectable than the menial jobs he was engaged in, some of which his parents were unaware of.

“To me, at the time, it was more dignified. At least, people will say you sell lamps. But selling pepper soup is crazy, bro. My parents didn’t know I was doing menial jobs. It was crazy, but now, we thank God.”
Firboy DML

In a surprising twist, Fireboy DML revealed that his signing to YBNL came through a simple WhatsApp message.

The turning point in his career came in 2018 when he was signed to YBNL Nation.

He soon rose to fame with the release of ‘Jealous’, a hit track featured on the label’s collaborative album YBNL Mafia Family.

Fireboy DML’s debut studio album, ‘Laughter’, ‘Tears’, and ‘Goosebumps’, released in 2019, was met with widespread recognition and firmly established his place in the Nigerian music scene.

Fireboy DML on His Father’s Reaction to His Tattoos

The Nigerian singer opened up about what he did that broke his father’s heart.

According to the 29-year-old singer, his father is unhappy with him because he has tattoos.

He explained that his action broke his father’s heart, which is one thing his father would never forgive him for.

Fireboy DML revealed that he wears a Jalabiya to hide his tattoos whenever his father visits him. However, he noted that his father has no issue with his piercings.

Expressing his love for tattoos, Fireboy said he would still have gotten a tattoo if he were not an artist.

He explained that tattoos are an art that allows him to step out dressed in a singlet and still have a presence.

“But even if I had ended up as a banker, I would still have had tattoos. It is not even about being an artist for me, I’m just that kind of person. I see it as an art. Because sometimes, I want to be shirtless and still look like I am dressed up. I want to wear a singlet and stop into a place and still have a presence. That is what tattoos are to me.”
Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML Declares Black Stars Better Than Super Eagles

The popular Nigerian singer weighed in on the football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, declaring that the Black Stars are currently a more cohesive team than the Super Eagles.

The ‘Peru’ hitmaker acknowledged Nigeria’s wealth of individual talent but emphasised that Ghana has managed to build a more united and effective squad.

“Right now, Ghana is a better team [than Nigeria’s Super Eagles]. Individually, we [Nigerians] are better. But as a team, Ghana is better. For some reason, we have not been able to combine the brilliance of each player to form a solid team. I think it will take time. We have a lot of talents, but we have not been able to utilise them.”
Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML also pointed out the gap in midfield quality between the two West African rivals, praising Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and lamenting Nigeria’s lack of a comparable presence.

“Unlike Ghana, we don’t have a good midfield. Thomas Partey alone. We don’t have a midfield to battle that. You saw how Partey handled Real Madrid during their Champions League clash with Arsenal. We don’t have that.”
Fireboy DML

The two nations are scheduled to face off in a highly anticipated match at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, UK, next month—an opportunity for both teams to showcase their strengths on the international stage.