By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Afrobeats sensation, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has revealed how close he came to abandoning his music dreams before his big break in 2018.
Despite holding a university degree, Fireboy admitted he was on the verge of setting up a rechargeable lamp business under the Ajah Bridge in Lagos before fate—and Olamide—intervened.
Speaking on a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show in London, the “Peru” hitmaker opened up about the struggles he faced in the early days of his journey and the unconventional jobs he took on just to survive.
“Thank God for that [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,” Fireboy said, highlighting just how uncertain things were at the time.
Read: “I’m Too Big for Olamide to Sign Me”_ Artist Declares
He revealed that he was already running a pepper soup spot but was seeking something he considered more respectable.“To me, at the time, it was more dignified. At least, people will call you a lamp seller. 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,” he added.
In a surprising twist, Fireboy disclosed that the life-changing moment came via WhatsApp, when music executive and rapper, Olamide, reached out to sign him to YBNL Nation.
That decision propelled him from obscurity to global recognition.Since joining YBNL in 2018, Fireboy DML has become a major force in the Nigerian music scene, known for blending soulful lyricism with Afrobeats rhythms.
His breakout hit “Jealous” introduced him to mainstream audiences, followed by chart-toppers like “Vibration,” “Champion,” and the global smash “Peru.” With multiple awards and international collaborations to his name, Fireboy’s story serves as a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of divine timing.
