BET Awards 2022: Who is Fireboy DML? Get to Know the Nigerian Musician Singing His Way Up the Charts
Fireboy DML’s contribution to the music industry quickly caught the eye of many music fans, including Nigerian rapper Olamide who eventually signed the up-and-coming singer to his YBNL Nation record label. The deal spawned Fireboy’s debut studio album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps and earned the artist a nomination for “Song of the Year” at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival for his breakout hit single “Jealous.” Following the release of his sophomore album Apollo, which rose to No. 14 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, Fireboy only increased his fan base. So much so, his efforts also earned him a nomination for “Best International Act” at the BET Awards 2022. So ahead of the ceremony hosted by actress Taraji P.Henson check out five things you should know about this year’s nominee.
His stage name Fireboy DML is inspired by his real name
The “DML” portion of his stage name Fireboy DML is an acronym for his name Adedamola Adefolahan. He shortened his first name Damola into DML.
He got his start in the church
The singer began showing his interest in music after learning English in school. Although he started as a rapper, Fireboy DML quickly found his passion for singing. He continued making music while attending Obafemi Awolowo University.
You can’t box him into one genre
The singer-songwriter found success thanks to his unique sound that blends a mixture of Afropop, R&B, and soul, which could be heard in albums such as Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, and Apollo.
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He’s signed to one of the most prominent musicians in Africa
After rising to prominence thanks to his 2018 breakout single “Jealous,” the singer caught the attention of prominent Nigerian rapper Olamide Gbenga Adedeji who eventually signed him to his independent music label YBNL Nation.
His debut album was positively received
According to his Apple Music description, only three days after the release of his 2019 debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, “garnered more than six million streams on a single music service.” Meanwhile, his sophomore album APOLLO rose to No. 14 on Billboard’s World Albums chart in 2020.
Tune in to the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
