Nigerian music star Fireboy DML recently opened up about his new album and studio experiences. In an interview with Apple Music Africa Now, he discussed working with music legends like Lagbaja and honouring Wande Coal.
Fireboy released his latest album, Adedamola, on August 29, 2024. It features 14 tracks with big names like Lagbaja, Jon Batiste, Seun Kuti, Lojay, and DJ Spinall. Fireboy highlighted how special it was to collaborate with Lagbaja on the track “Back n Forth.”
Fireboy, who’s 28, described the collaboration as special, highlighting that the album’s theme of Longing made Lagbaja a perfect fit.
“It’s incredible to have someone like Lagbaja involved, especially in today’s music scene,” he said. “The whole album has this Longing vibe, and having legends like Lagbaja enhances that feeling.”
Interestingly, Fireboy never got to see Lagbaja’s face during their studio session because Lagbaja kept his signature mask on.
Fireboy found this both intriguing and fitting. “I never saw his face, which is part of his Mystery. “It’s cool because that’s what defines Lagbaja,” he noted.
Another highlight of the album is the track “Wande’s Bop,” a nod to Nigerian Afropop star Wande Coal. Fireboy shared that this song was inspired by the influence Wande Coal had on him and many other artists.
“When I heard the beat, it reminded me of Wande Coal’s music from around 2015-2016,” Fireboy explained. “It felt like a perfect way to honour him.”
Fireboy recorded “Wande’s Bop” in 2021 with DJ Spinall in Lagos, and it was always meant to be a tribute. “I wanted to capture the essence of what Wande Coal would have done with it,” he said.
Fireboy DML’s album Adedamola is both a tribute to African music legends and a reflection of his growth as an artist.
In essence, the album honours those who shaped the music scene. Featuring collaborations with Lagbaja and a tribute to Wande Coal, it highlights Fireboy’s respect for musical icons and his journey.
