Afrobeats singer Adedamola Adefolahan, widely known as Fireboy DML, has opened up about a surprising chapter from his early career.
It’s a chapter that almost saw him trading his music dreams for a much more modest life as a petty trader. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree, Fireboy was on the verge of starting a small business selling rechargeable lamps under Ajah Bridge in Lagos.
That was before he was discovered by renowned rapper and music executive Olamide, whose decision would change the course of his life.
A potential businessman, not a musician
Fireboy’s rise to fame in the music industry could have taken a very different path. Before Olamide signed him to YBNL Nation in 2018, the young artist was ready to give up on music. At the time, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever.
In a heartfelt interview on the 90s Baby Show in London, Fireboy spoke about the struggles he faced before finding success in music.
He shared that, at one point, he was even selling pepper soup at a local food joint just to survive. But despite putting in the work, he was unhappy with his situation. His heart wasn’t in it.
The idea to sell lamps
“I was thinking about selling rechargeable lamps,” Fireboy said, reminiscing about his time considering a business venture.
He met a man under Ajah Bridge who told him about the lamp-selling business. Intrigued by the idea, Fireboy was ready to make the switch.
“I thought it was a more dignified job than what I was doing,” he explained. “At least people would say, ‘Oh, he’s a lamp seller,’ not ‘He sells pepper soup.’”
At the time, Fireboy believed selling lamps would give him more respect than his current job. To him, the idea of selling food didn’t feel dignified.
However, he was still making ends meet in any way he could. He admitted that he kept his side jobs a secret from his parents.
They had no idea he was working menial jobs to survive. “My parents didn’t know I was doing those kinds of jobs,” he recalled. “It was crazy.” But now, looking back, Fireboy is thankful for his journey. “I’m just grateful for how far I’ve come,” he added.
A life-changing whatsApp message
Everything changed for Fireboy when he received a message that would set him on the path to stardom. Despite not yet being deeply involved in the music scene, he caught the attention of Olamide, the founder of YBNL Nation. Olamide, who was already aware of Fireboy’s talent, decided to sign him to the label in an unexpected way.
Fireboy laughed as he remembered the moment, describing it as casual and almost unbelievable. “I got signed on WhatsApp,” he said, sharing that it all happened quickly with little fanfare. That simple message marked the beginning of Fireboy’s rise to fame.
Breaking through with ‘Jealous’
The turning point in Fireboy’s career came with the release of his breakout single “Jealous” in 2018.
Featured on the YBNL Nation album YBNL Mafia Family, the song was an instant hit and introduced Fireboy to a larger audience. The track’s success was just the beginning of what would become a remarkable career.
In 2019, Fireboy released his debut studio album, Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps. The album was packed with chart-topping singles and solidified Fireboy as one of Afrobeats’ rising stars. He had made the transition from side jobs to music, from struggling to survive to thriving in the limelight.
A grateful reflection on his journey
Looking back on his unexpected rise, Fireboy is filled with gratitude. What could have been a career in business has turned into an incredibly successful music career.
“Thank God for Olamide signing me,” Fireboy said, reflecting on the moment that changed his life. He recognizes how different his future could have been, had Olamide not taken that chance on him.
A story of perseverance and hope
Fireboy DML’s story is a true testament to perseverance. It shows that even in the face of uncertainty and setbacks, hard work, a little luck, and the right opportunities can create life-changing outcomes.
From working odd jobs to becoming an international music sensation, Fireboy’s journey is a reminder that success can come from the most unexpected places.
His rise to fame is an inspiring tale of resilience, proving that with determination, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
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