Fireboy DML’s top 5 tips for making an Afrobeat hit – Features

Fireboy DML is tearing up Nigeria’s afrobeat scene with his self-described “Afro-Life” take on the sound. Co-signed by Olamide, a giant in the genre, the 25-year-old has staked his claim as one of the most exciting and dynamic afrobeat artists working today.

Growing up in a small town in Ogun state, Fireboy DML, born Adedamola Adefolahan, was quite the introvert, choosing to stay inside and write poems from a young age. This has contributed to his songwriting prowess, and with hits like ‘Jealous’, ‘Vibration’ and ‘Sere’ under his belt so early, it’s no surprise to hear the confidence in the singer-songwriter’s voice when we caught up over Zoom.

“One very important part of my music making process is the songwriting,” he tells me. “I’m very particular about that. So, when I’m making music, I try to make my music as relatable as possible, you know, no matter what kind of music I’m making.”

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The artist is incredibly dedicated to songwriting as a craft, and carefully tailors his process in order to yield rich, rhythmic afrobeat.

He’s also conscious of the wider culture around the music and its fashion, and recent launched a line with boohooMAN celebrating its vibrant style. “I’m very fashion inclined person, and that’s why the deal was very organic,” he says. “Afrobeats in general is very powerful. It goes deeper than music, it’s the culture, it’s our heritage. It’s just like how hip hop is more than the music; hip hop is celebrated as a culture.”

After picking his brain about making music, here are five tips to guarantee an Afrobeat hit, from Fireboy himself.