In-house: Fireboy DML’s “Adedamola”

Adedamola is the fourth and latest studio album of Afrobeats singer Fireboy DML, following Playboy. Released on 29th August 2024, the project comprises 14 tracks and has a running time of 41 minutes. The album features compatriots Seun Kuti, Lojay, Lagbaja, Spinall, and American musician and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste.  Here we put together the thoughts and opinions of the team at Culture Custodian concerning the album.

 What’s your favorite song?

Adedamola: For me, it’s a tie between  Iseoluwa and Everyday. I love the use of percussion, the slightly traditional feel, and the overt praise aura of Iseoluwa. I often listened to Everyday as a single  before the release of the album. Fireboy’s patronizing voice, the romantic theme of the song and the saxophone sounds make a good sonic piece.

Adetoun: Back n Forth. It has the makings of a typical Lagbaja love song that just makes you sing deliriously along, you’re encased in this happy bubble every time the song comes on  

Alex: It’s hard to pick a favorite from the project. However, I’m inclined to pick Iseoluwa. Fireboy’s voice, the storytelling, and most especially the saxophone make the track my favorite. 

Chibuzo: It has to be Ready, with Jon Batiste. It’s one of those songs where Fireboy straddles sweet and sour melodies. King and Tattoo belong to that category. Ready represents yet another dazzling addition to that canon. 

Deborah: Need Me is the song that stuck out to me the most, ironically because I didn’t like it at first or second listen. It felt so out of place compared to Fireboy’s usual style, and the beginning had me checking if it was a Shallipopi song. Now that I’ve rinsed the album on repeat a few times and reacquainted myself with Fireboy’s melody though, Need Me is my favorite.

Oluwatobi: As a person who is big on gratitude, I’ll say Iseoluwa because it puts me on a nostalgic ride, forcing me to reflect and be grateful for where I used to be and where I am now.

Shalom: I love Back n Forth, and this has everything to do with Lagbaja being present in the track. I recently wrote an essay about the evolution of music in Nigeria and I reminisced a lot about past artists. Call it nostalgia tax, but I don’t care. Back n Forth is my fave. 

Which track do you think has the most superb production?

Adedamola: This has to be Ready. It presents Fireboy at his soulful best, while he attempts to stir emotions with his constant switch between high and low pitches. Jon Batiste’s manipulation of the piano adds to the grace of the song.

Adetoun: Hard to pick because the sound in this album is just great. Fireboy collected great producers like Thanos did infinity stones and just snapped. ID Cabasa, Semzi, Eskeez, Lagbaja, Nxrth, and every other producer who worked on this project were in their bag.

Alex: This is a tough one because the producers Eskeez, Nxrth, Bassiqally, and ID Cabasa brought their A-Game to the project. The track with the best project for me is letting go with Lojay. The drums and the saxophone complement the duo’s love stories. The production is top-notch for its gentility, and ability to get your body moving. Beautiful. 

Chibuzo: This is a difficult pick. To his credit, this album is expertly produced. But Ready is my pick. Ironically, the song’s production is one of the most sparse on the project. It’s a medley. The only instruments are Jon’s keys, then Fireboy’s vocals, and the accompanying choir. But it’s precisely for this reason that the production shines. Jon’s keys are supple and affecting. The engineering and mixing are also excellent. Less is not always more, but this is one of those cases where the epigram holds. 

Deborah: As someone with zero production knowledge, Iseoluwa sounded the most well-put-together and melodic to me.

Oluwatobi: I think Back n Forth stands out as the well-produced track in this album, it has the melodic voice of Fireboy and the traditional sound of Lagbaja well-mixed 

Shalom: I believe that an album’s opening track can either make or break it. Personally, it’s the opener that prompts me to listen more or leave the project. Iseoluwa was very well done, the drums and percussion instruments created catchy beats, and Fireboy’s vocals shone expertly. It reminded me that he’s still the artist that made Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps, his debut album, which he may never match up to, but truthfully, Adedamola came close. 

Potential hit (No. 1) song?

Adedamola: That would be Everyday. It has been a hit before the album release and I think it will remain that way for a while. Besides, it is a romance-themed song, one with a sentimental feel. I think young people, most of whom constitute the audience of Afrobeats, generally have a soft spot for songs that trigger emotions such as love, heartbreak, etc., and are likely to gravitate toward them. So, Everyday works.

Adetoun: Wande’s Bop. Aside from the fact that it pays homage to Wande Coal it’s also reminiscent of Wande’s The Kick, a jam on its own, I strongly believe it will set the dance floor on fire in the weeks to come.

Alex: Everyday was already a hit before the project dropped. Picking another, it’s Iseoluwa. The talking drum and soulful chords on the song of gratitude are appealing. It’s upbeat and seems to be what Nigerians are tilted towards at the moment after years of heavy music. I’m betting on Iseoluwa to be an anthem. 

Chibuzo: I think Call Me is going to be the hit song in Nigeria. The Nigerian music scene is at an inflection point. The temperature has started to shift. And it appears that upbeat, soulful songs are the new gold mine. So many unique sounds have surfaced this year in the race to discover the next direction for Afropop, as Amapiano’s powers wane. I think upbeat, soulful records are the next wave. Asake’s Lonely at the Top was the canary in the goldmine. MMS by Asake and Wizkid, which has dominated local charts since its release, further bolsters that hypothesis. Seyi Vibez’ Doha and Burnaboy’s Higher too. Call Me has all of the elements that define those tracks. The lyrics of the song roll out with purpose; it’s soulful; the tempo is not too fast but it’s upbeat. It’s the most promising for me. Ecstacy is going to resonate with the international audience. I’m not tipping it as the next international smash, but it has the potential to do some damage. 

Deborah: Everyday, and not just because it’s already trending on social media. The song has huge potential, and is extremely catchy.

Oluwatobi: Everyday is already getting all the attention, it has a highlife vibe to it and it’s quite danceable so that has to be the song that is more likely to do a lot of numbers 

Shalom: Adedamola is a heck of an album. Fireboy goes from the soothing, percussive track that was Iseoluwa to Call Me, to talk about knowing how to pace an album. The potential hit song, for me, would be Call Me. I also think the line “if you need me, you can catch me outside,” from Outside, the 2023 single with Blaqbonez, was intentional, sort of a tease from the ingenious Fireboy that signaled into the next track on the album. 

Your favorite feature?

Adedamola: Back and Forth. It just feels good to have Lagbaja back in the mainstream even if it’s for a moment. I don’t think anyone could have predicted that. And Lagbaja did blend well throughout the song with his signature saxophone sounds and vocals. 

Adetoun: There are some standout features on Adedamola but I particularly enjoyed the synergy between Fireboy and Seun Kuti on Ecstasy. I was initially skeptical about the collaboration but once I heard Seun Kuti on the sax, I was somewhat blown away. A jam

Alex: Letting go with Lojay is my favorite. Adedamola doesn’t dwell so much on heartbreaks. He is the type of guy that moves to another lady after breakfast, and for friends, trust him to throw a party, and invite buddies to help you heal. A standup guy. 

Chibuzo: It’s a no-brainer: Ecstasy with Seun Kuti. I can’t remember the last time I heard horns so transcendent. It’s one of my favorites from the album. Fireboy was in his bag when he made the song. And it’s a rare occurrence for anyone to match his energy when he’s in his element. But somehow Seun, by way of fluttering melodies that evoke a fever dream, gives Fireboy a run for his money. Their chemistry is palpable. The result is a truly timeless song.

Deborah: The Jon Batiste feature, Ready. It has the makings of older Nigerian love songs like Banky W’s Yes/No or Styl Plus’ Olufunmi, and it’s one that plenty of people would want on their wedding playlist. I know I do.

Oluwatobi: Back n Forth has to be it for me, I think this song brings out the real Adedamola, it takes such a beautiful musical mind to pull off something that could potentially become an ever-green song with the legendary Lagbaja. 

Shalom: Ready. I’m a lover girl through and through, and Ready gave me everything. The lyrics, vocals, the piano striking strings, smooth chords, it’s the kind of song I wouldn’t mind playing in the background while I’m being proposed to. I might even shed a tear as my future husband bends one knee. The track was already so beautiful, then you hear Jon Batiste slowly easing in, and it becomes a masterpiece. Their chemistry is palpable, and honestly, it’s hard to differentiate between their vocals. They need to do more songs together because Ready is something the world has been missing. 

Best vocals?

Adedamola: Ready is clear. It feels like Fireboy testing the limits of his vocals while Jon Batiste’s magical fingers fuel him.

Adetoun: Ready. Hands down.

Alex: Ready

Chibuzo: Ready, no debate. 

Deborah: Ready!

Oluwatobi: Back n Forth

Shalom: The only answer is Ready.

Potential miss?

Adedamola: Jon’s interlude. I just think it’s a redundant outro that offers the least value in the entire album.

Adetoun: There were no misses on the album in my opinion. Even the song placement set us up for a good listening experience

Alex: This is one of the best of Fireboy’s offerings. All hits, no misses. 

Chibuzo: The album is concise and I think every song brings something to the project. 

Deborah: I can’t point at one

Oluwatobi: Not so sure about Ready, I know I might get my head on a spike for this but I think Fireboy was trying too hard on this one. 

Shalom: I think it’s a perfect album. It takes us on a 40-minute trip, giving something for the lovers, the partygoers, and the street hoppers, I can’t say there’s a miss. 

Most slept on track?

Alex: Change your life isn’t getting the listenership others are getting, but Fireboy fans better change their lives and listen to this track. 

Chibuzo: Call Me. I’m fairly active on social media, and I haven’t seen many people sing its praises. But it’s such a well-put-together song. With the right marketing push, I think it’s going to perform well. 

Deborah: Hell and Back. 

Oluwatobi: Iseoluwa

Shalom: Uhm, perhaps Call Me. 

Best replay value?

Adedamola: Ready for its optimal production quality. It’s soothing and emotional at the same time, the kind of song you listen to repeatedly during bedtime, while feeling obsessed over a love interest or suffering unrequited love.

Adetoun: I listen to Ecstasy and Back n Forth at least twice a day. There’s also Ready. I can’t decide, lol.

Alex: I start my mornings with gratitude. Iseoluwa starts and ends my day. 

Chibuzo: I’m sorry but my pick remains Ready.

Deborah: Hell and Back 

Oluwatobi: Iseoluwa 

Shalom: It’s hard to pick between Iseoluwa and Ready. But gun to my head, I’d say Iseoluwa. It’s the perfect opening track, as I’ve said before, and it praises God, the maker and finisher of all things. 

What do you think about the project as an album in 2024?

Adedamola: It’s a decent project that will be remembered as one of the best Afrobeats albums of 2024. It may not really be indicative of Fireboy’s evolution because the sounds are mostly relatable ones that have been previously captured by the artist. But the artistic features are spot-on and are worth musing over.

Adetoun: It is a beyond decent body of work; an instantly enjoyable album. I like that Fireboy did the work of harnessing his lover-boy persona to give us Adedamola. There’s also been some noticeable growth in the quality of his sound. However, I’m not sure of its place on the list of the best projects of 2024.

Alex:  Adedamola is already a contender for the best projects of 2024. It’s deserved because the production, storytelling, and features were perfect. The experimentation of different sounds: Amapiano, Afropop, soul, and house is indicative of Fireboy’s limitless talent, and his penchant for exploring unafraid. 

Chibuzo: Nigerian music this year is at a turning point, a changing of guard, a moment of evolution. Amapiano, which has for four years provided a template for churning out hits, is on its last legs. And as such, recent releases have leaned more into experimentation. Rema with Heis and also Asake with Lungu Boy. I expected more of an experimental slant to this album. It turned out to be a typical Fireboy album. I’m not mad at it. It will go down as a good album. But in the future, when we reflect on the albums that defined 2024, it’s not going to make that conversation sadly. 

Deborah: The album is going to be overshadowed by flashier, more outlandish, and more experimental ones, and the debates will be lengthy. However, in its own right, Adedamola is a solid body of work.

Shalom: It’s Fireboy. To expatiate, Adedamola is the perfect representation of his musical artistry. The project is cohesive, production and vocals are on point, and somewhat, it’s an extension of his previous albums. This year, many artists have experimented with their sound: Rema, Asake, and even Simi who featured several artists on Lost and Found, typically something she never did before. I think it’s one of the best albums in 2024, and we have had a lot of albums this year, but it’s probably going to be forgotten when anyone sits to write an article about the defining albums in 2024.

What do you think comes next for Fireboy?

Adedamola: Fireboy has announced that he is working on an EP with Lojay. So, let’s be expectant. 

Adetoun: I really can’t say. Perhaps a promo run for the album or a tour of some sort. Can’t be too sure.

Alex: Apart from the joint EP in the works or not with Lojay, there will be world tours, and even local ones to promote the project, and spread the beautiful music to the world. In all, I’m excited about what’s next for Fireboy. He explored his sexual and romantic nature in Adedamola, but a pro tip: “love is dangerous for sensitive people”

Chibuzo: I think it’s pretty obvious: A promotional run for the album’s key prospects. He also mentioned an EP with Lojay. As always, we can’t say with certainty that it will drop. But it’s at least something to look out for. 

Deborah: I don’t know but I think he might try acting. His music tells stories, and in his music videos, he does act well.

Shalom: Probably marketing his new album.

 Overall thoughts and a 1-10 rating?

Adedamola: It’s an appreciable 7.5/10. That’s because I think it’s a reaffirmation of Fireboy’s sonic strengths with really little or no new messages or themes. The features are bold and refreshing though, and the instrumentals are alluring. I still think Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps is the best of all of Fireboy’s albums. Adedamola is not even the second-best in my books, but I love its overall production quality. But, as I earlier pointed out, Adedamola will still go down as one of the best Afrobeats albums of the year 2024.

Adetoun: Like I said earlier, it has the makings of a good album, there’s growth, there’s cohesion, some storytelling, and the features were surprisingly good too. Great production and artistry, it’s an 8 for me, it ate.

Alex: Fireboy has grown, which is evident in Adedamola, a cohesive project that reaffirms his talent and artistry, and while this may not be his project yet, everyone still recognises and appreciates his talent. The production is refreshing, and the features are top-notch. Adedamola is a solid 8. 

Chibuzo: I’ll give it a 7/10. But that’s off my current feelings. And I must add that it has steadily grown on me in the days since it was released. I like the tape. But at the risk of sounding like a hater, I don’t think it will move the needle of his career the way Playboy did. The reason is simple, it doesn’t have many instant stand-outs. 

Deborah: I don’t think Fireboy has ever missed, and I may be biased because he’s one of my favorite artists, but I’m giving this album a 9/10.

Shalom: I love Fireboy, he knows his strengths and he sticks by it. A little experimentation may be good on his next project, but even if he never experiments, I wouldn’t fault him for it. After all, good music is made for the artist and less for the fans, and seen with international stars like Jon Bellion and The Weeknd, and Nigerian artists like Tems. To rate it, I’d say 7.5/10.