Afrobeats sensation, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has shared the touching story of his life before stardom, revealing he was on the brink of becoming a petty trader, even with a university degree before fate smiled on him through YBNL Nation boss, Olamide.
In a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show in London, the “Peru” hitmaker opened up about the challenges he faced after graduation. Fireboy disclosed that he had made plans to begin selling rechargeable lamps under the Ajah Bridge in Lagos just before Olamide discovered him and offered him a life-changing recording deal.
“I met a guy under Ajah Bridge who was already in the lamp business. He explained everything, and I told him I was interested. At the time, it felt more dignified than what I was doing,” he said.
The singer explained that before the lamp business idea, he had already been hustling by selling pepper soup at a local joint, all without the knowledge of his parents.
“They didn’t know I was doing menial jobs. Selling pepper soup was crazy, bro. But it was survival,” Fireboy added.
In a twist of fate, he was signed to YBNL Nation via WhatsApp in 2018, marking a turning point in his career. His breakout single “Jealous,” featured on the label’s collaborative album YBNL Mafia Family, quickly shot him into the limelight. A year later, his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene.
From contemplating street trade to becoming one of Afrobeats’ biggest exports, Fireboy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, humility, and the unpredictability of success.
