Nigerian singer-songwriter Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has released his fourth studio album, "Adedamola." Since his debut in 2019, Fireboy has consistently kept both old and new fans engaged, offering them a glimpse into his world and evolving journey through his projects. In this album, he embodies his confident, loverboy persona to deliver a compelling mix of rhythm and heartfelt melodies.

Christened after his birth name, the project "Adedamola" has gone on to rack up numbers on streams and air plays. The album sets a record with 2.31 million first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria, surpassing his previous record of over 524,000 for his 2022 "Playboy album." This milestone record makes the project the third biggest album debut in 2024, just behind Asake’s "Lungu Boy" album and Rema’s "Heis" album.

This 14-track album by Fireboy DML is a journey through his experiences, blending Afrobeats, Afro-pop, R&B, Afro-funk, and Yoruba traditional influences, showcasing his maturity as a person and musician.

The "Adedamola" album follows the trend of delivering colorful and spectacular intros, with the reflective and smooth "Ise Oluwa." This intro track sets the tone for the project, showcasing Fireboy’s intention of paying homage to his roots. Traditional instruments like the Gangan and Omele, were used to deliver Fireboy's reverence to the Almighty God for the wonders in his life, status, and career.

"Call Me" and "Ecstasy" continue the album’s elegant run of the intro. The former, with its nostalgic 90’s pop and log drum influence, ushers Fireboy in as the lover boy confessing affection and commitment to his lover with the line, “Call me anytime, anytime you need somebody to hold on to, call me anytime and I’ll be right there to stand by you." The latter features veteran Afrobeat and Grammy-nominated artist Seun Kuti. Fireboy’s vocals, along with Seun’s exceptional saxophone melodies, add depth and soul, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The fourth track, "Hell and Back," features intricate violin, sax melodies, and laid-back log drum rhythms. In this song, Fireboy's vocals smoothly express his feelings about an old flame and question why she wants him back in a toxic way.

"Letting Go" takes the next spot. In an interview with Apple Music, Fireboy discussed his relationship with the featured artist Lojay and teased a joint EP with the incredibly talented artist. On this track, both artists match each other's vocal capacity, creating an immersive track about the complexities of love that many listeners can relate to.

The most anticipated track on this project, "Back n Forth" comes sixth. Featuring veteran musician Lagbaja, "Back n Forth" will remain a generational classic. In an interview with Apple Music, Fireboy discusses the album's nostalgic feel and the importance of collaborating with industry legends and his childhood idol, Lagbaja. This track begins with Lagbaja's chic and graceful tenor saxophone melody. Fireboy flows effortlessly into it with the soul-stirring line, "Somewhere at the back of your mind, I hope you know that I love every single moment with you." Lagbaja then takes his verse with his unique voice, singing, "What else should I do to let you know how I feel inside for you?" Indeed, Fireboy has created a dream track with the Yoruba music maestro.

“Ready,” which sits seventh, brings down the tempo, showing another dimension of the Fireboy’s talent. Featuring American Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste, Fireboy truly soars, demonstrating his vocal talent as he switches into distinct notes in the soul-themed track.

The Afropop track, "Wande’s Bop," is another standout on the project, bringing high energy. Wande Coal, credited as the brain behind several 2024 Afropop hit tracks like Ayra Starr’s "Jazzy’s Song" and Fireboy’s latest continues to show his significance in the industry.

The Afro-funk-influenced hit, "Change Your Life," produced by Bassiqally keeps riding on the high energy set by its predecessor. Dominated by trumpet melodies, bass chord melodies, and explosive percussion, it showcases Fireboy’s ability to transcend genres—a true testament of a modern-day pop star. This track will give his listeners goosebumps and pull them to the dancefloor.

The pre-released tracks "Obaa Sima," "Yawa," and "Every Day" with millions of streams on Spotify, show the new energy these singles bring when they are added to a project. In between these tracks is the uniquely crafted and amapiano-influenced "Need Me," produced by the phenomenal Bassiqally and Drexbeats.

Drawing the sensational project to a close is "Jon’s Interlude." Despite not being a traditional interlude, the track, with its pure instrumental arrangement, is a fitting conclusion to the cohesive and well-crafted body of work.

PERFORMERS: Fireboy DML, Seun Kuti, Lojay, Lagbaja, Jon Batiste, SPINALL,

WRITERS: Adedamola Adefolahan, Lekan Oyefeso Jnr, Bisade Ologunde, Jon Batiste, Marcel Larry, Akunwata, Agbabiaka Ayodele, Telz, Olamide Adedeji

PRODUCERS: Bassiqally, Nxrth, ForeignGotem, South, Godomarr, Eskeez, ID Cabasa, Lagbaja, Jon Batiste, Blaisebeatz, SPINALL, WXLA, Semzi, Pheelz, Drexbeats, Magic sticks, Telz

Nigerian singer-songwriter Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has released his fourth studio album, Adedamola.

Fireboy DML: ADEDAMOLA - album review

Nigerian singer-songwriter Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has released his fourth studio album, Adedamola.

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