Fireboy DML gives us a taste of himself on latest album- Adedamola. The fourth studio album is a vibrant blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, showcasing his versatility and growth as an artist. Fireboy DML reminds us of his poetic leanings which previously crafted his niche on Laughter Tears and Goosebumps and Apollo in the industry before the introduction of Playboy Fireboy.
Adedamola represents a heartfelt journey of self-evolution, a piece of unique originality that is wholly Fireboy DML with whom the world fell in love with. Featuring a solid list of exceptional collaborators like the iconic Lagbaja, Seun Kuti, Jon Baptiste, Lojay, and DJ Spinall; the 14-track album spins a bard, narrating the challenges of his time in the spotlight, navigating emotions and gratitude for the triumphs.
The refreshing album begins with Iseoluwa, the opening track that sets a spiritual tone with its soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. Fireboy reflects on his journey and the divine guidance that has shaped his path from the beginning up till this current point. He communicates his gratitude through his lyrics “blessings on blessings upon my life ’til they see me for Valhalla/life has been good to me
I do not take this with levity“, a high note tribute to God for a successful run.
The second track Call Me is a feel-good track about love and connection. On this catchy, upbeat song, Fireboy gives us a glimpse of his love on speed dial; a sweet reminder of the nostalgic sound we fell in love with. Call me is a fine blend of afrobeat rhythms interspersed with pop, telling a story of young, energetic romance.
Trust Fireboy to make love to our ears in every project. He doesn’t miss on Ecstasy; the third track that lives up to its name with its euphoric beats and smooth vocals. Ecstasy gives us a volcanic mix of sensuality, romance and of course, ecstasy. The euphoria on this track is intense and further reemphasized by the lyrics “tell me what to do, just like a recipe/you know what you’re doing to me mentally/but eventually, I want you sexually”, with Seun Kuti doing justice and adding to the stew of seduction with his rich saxophone solo.
Fireboy DML ushers us into Hell and Back with rich, bouncy drums. The track gives a more somber and reflective vibe, where Fireboy tells a colorful tale of unrequited love and overcome feelings. He gives off a vulnerable, yet interesting aura, while moving on from an unhealthy entanglement with swaggering delivery. The raw emotion in this song can be felt through the lyrics “omotola you dey make me wan cry/oh now you want me back/after putting me through hell and back/wetin you do me fit to kill a man ye eh” to complement the melancholic beats, evoking deep feelings and emotions in listeners.
The project seamlessly transitions to Letting Go, where Fireboy DML teams up with a fellow lover boy Lojay to give us a duet about the ups and downs of love. The duo take turns to bare their feelings in soulful verses about moving on from past relationships, finding peace and healing. The acoustics blends beautifully with the smooth melodies and emotional trip highlighting Fireboy and Lojay’s versatility with novel deliveries.
The sixth track Back n Forth is entirely wrapped in nostalgia. Fireboy DML successfully fuses old spice cultural elements with modern afrobeats on this track. Here we see our all-time favorite, masked icon Lagbaja remind us of an undiluted, Nigerian love song with his signature saxophone and rich tenor delivery. The dynamic interplay of beats, lyrics and artistes, blends the past and present in a push and pull fashion that leaves listeners thirsting for more.
Ready grabs our attention with Jon Baptiste’s soft piano melodies that seamlessly complements Fireboy’s vocals on a declaration of readiness for true love. They offer a stellar performance on this track, delivering a sophisticated love song; with Jon’s jazz-infusion serving as the perfect backdrop to FIreboy’s smooth, expressive vocals. Ready highlight’s Fireboy’s versatility and musical prowess across genres; establishing his place on global stages with music that transcends all boundaries.
Fireboy DML features DJ Spinall to pay homage to Afrobeat legend Wande Coal on Wande’s Bop. The fun, danceable track serves as the perfect party starter that blends the iconic Wande Coal’s unique style with Fireboy’s modern twist to create a dancehall bop.
Change Your Life sees Fireboy fuse dance music and afropop interspersed with afrobeats elements. The uplifting lyrics, smooth flow and vibrant beats make it an inspiring listen crafted to make listener feel good.
Obaa Sima -meaning damsel in Twi- continues the feel-good vibe similar to the sounds dominant on Apollo. Fireboy takes a fresh direction, seamlessly fusing a unique sound with funky beats which reflects the fun he has in the production. While Obaa Sima is love themed; the track gives an upbeat, larger than life tinge to romance enthralling his Nigerian and Ghanaian audience till the end.
Fireboy DML explores his romantic side on Need Me; using tender lyrics and a soothing voice to create the perfect love song. The R&B influence was delivered smoothly on this track. Need me gives us a glimpse of a mature Fireboy, experiencing the same feelings that inspired the track “Need you“ on LTG.
Yawa pulls us in with the groovy beat which is maintained throughout the track. We get served Fireboy in his most carefree, confident form. This track represents an embodiment of the album “Adedamola”, with Fireboy fully embracing his originality without fear or favor.
Every Day puts us in a celebratory mood, with the mellow beats setting a comforting pace throughout the track. Fireboy DML gives us the vibe of auditory clink of wine glasses in cheers to the album.
Fireboy DML draws the curtains with Jon’s Interlude a short, introspective piece featuring Jon Batiste. The beautiful blend of jazz serves as a perfect closing note, as Jon graces the track with an undiluted version of the backdrop in Ready.
“Adedamola” is a testament to Fireboy DML’s career growth and versatility. He embraces his evolutionary journey, vowing to have fun while at it and adding a mural of originality; his signature as Fireboy DML -the global superstar. Each track brings something unique to the table, -that Fireboy DML effect profoundly missing on “Playboy”- making it a must-listen for fans of contemporary African music.
