After his success with previous works Playboy, Apollo, and Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps, Fireboy DML returns with his fourth studio album, Adedamola, released on August 29, 2024.
The album blends Yoruba traditional talking drums, saxophones, and elements of Amapiano, featuring both Nigerian and foreign artists. Fireboy explores a variety of emotions, from spirituality to love, lust, and pure vibes, proving to the world that he’s a versatile artist who can explore different musical ranges and shouldn’t be confined to a single genre.
Talking Drums: Sẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀ and Thanks with Iseoluwa
Fireboy follows the tradition of starting any venture with God by opening the album with Iseoluwa. The phrase “Iseoluwa ko se ni to ye,” which translates to “No one understands the wonders of God,” is at the heart of this spiritual piece where Fireboy credits his success to his creator. The strong elements of Yoruba traditional drums elevate the entire song, bringing it to life and enhancing the spiritual experience for listeners. The lyrics are powerful, audible, and relatable—making it not just a danceable song, but one with deep meaning.
A Nigerian Man’s Devotion to Love: Call Me
Fireboy’s heart is captured by Awelewa, and he isn’t afraid to declare his love to the world. He reassures his lover that he’ll always be there whenever she needs him. The log drums in the background, a signature of Amapiano, echo like heartbeats, further adding a romantic touch to the song. Fireboy flexes his lyrical skills, blending Yoruba and English seamlessly.
Ecstasy
This track takes a sensual, lustful turn with suggestive lyrics and sexual innuendos. Fireboy teams up with Seun Kuti, who delivers a beautiful saxophone performance that melds perfectly with the Amapiano elements. Given Seun Kuti’s familiarity with sensual sounds, his feature is an ideal match for this song.
Hell and Back
This is the first of two heartbreak songs on the Adedamola album. Fireboy reminds his ex-lover of how she wronged him as she begs for a second chance. The saxophone and log drums reappear in perfect harmony, neither overshadowing the other.
Letting Go
Following Hell and Back, Fireboy features Lojay on Letting Go, the second heartbreak song on the album. Lojay, no stranger to heartbreak themes, brings his expertise to the song. The delicate guitar melody enhances the tone, and the blend of Lojay’s and Fireboy’s voices is a perfect match.
Back N Forth
Fireboy makes a bold move by featuring the legendary Afrobeat artist Lagbaja on this track. The traditional drums, Fireboy’s vocalizations, and Lagbaja’s ad-libs extend throughout the song, adding a unique flavor that brings the song to life.
Ready
With the rise in wedding ceremonies in the entertainment scene, Fireboy delivers Ready, a song featuring Jon Baptiste. This song is perfect for walking down the aisle. The piano chords evoke the overwhelming emotions of a wedding day, and Fireboy’s romantic, heartfelt lyrics make the song feel almost angelic.
Wande’s Bop
Fireboy teams up with Wande Coal and Spinall on this fun track. Picture a bachelor who’s just had a rough 9-5 week. Come Friday night, he hits the club with his bros, the lights dim, and the music blares. That rush of energy and excitement is exactly what Wande’s Bop feels like. It’s a danceable, groovy track, perfect for a TGIF night.
Change Your Life
Similar to Wande’s Bop, Change Your Life is another club-ready track. It’s groovy, fun, and not overly serious.
Obaa Sima
Fireboy lets his lover know that he’s a lavish spender, ready to spoil her in exchange for her love. The song is groovy, fun, and impossible to listen to without bopping your head to the Amapiano beats. It’s perfect for summer vacations, where pretty girls dance in the sun, margaritas in hand.
Yawa
One of the two tracks released ahead of the album, Yawa features Fireboy’s carefree attitude. In his lyrics, he makes it clear that he cares little about rumors and doesn’t plan on addressing them, whether true or not. In Nigerian Pidgin, “Yawa” means “problem,” but here it implies that he remains unbothered despite the drama. The song has a playful, carefree vibe.
Everyday
The second pre-released track, Everyday, reveals how Fireboy has many options but still chooses to pine for one special person. His vocals blend smoothly with the background beats and saxophone, giving the song a cool, soft and romantic feel to it.
Jon’s Interlude
This piano rendition by Jon Baptiste feels like an extension of Ready. It’s airy, emotional, and calming, making it the perfect outro for the album.
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The entire Adedamola album is an emotional journey, showcasing Fireboy DML’s ability to blend cultural sounds with contemporary genres. The album has emotional depth, touching on a wide range of feelings.
On a scale of one to ten, Adedamola is a solid 9. Mediapeephole approves!
