Afrobeats star Fireboy DML, real name Adedamola Adefolahan, has shared a surprising account of the struggles he faced before his rise to fame, revealing he almost resorted to selling rechargeable lamps under a Lagos bridge. Speaking on the “90s Baby Show” in London, the “Peru” hitmaker detailed his pre-fame hardships, despite holding a university degree.
Fireboy recounted how close he came to setting up a makeshift stall under the Ajah Bridge in Lagos, a stark contrast to his current status as a globally recognized artist. “Thank God for that [Olamide signing me]. I was considering selling rechargeable lamps. I met one guy under Ajah Bridge, he was telling me about the business and I told him I was interested,” he disclosed.
Before his life-altering signing to Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2018, Fireboy was already working, selling pepper soup at a local joint. However, he sought a more “dignified” means of income. “To me, at the time, it was more dignified. At least, people will call you a lamp seller. But selling pepper soup is crazy, bro. My parents didn�t know I was doing menial jobs. It was crazy but now, we thank God,” he shared.
In a surprising twist, Fireboy revealed that his pivotal signing to YBNL happened via WhatsApp, a digital handshake that launched his music career. This revelation underscores the role of social media in modern music discovery and the unexpected turns that can lead to success.
Fireboy DML’s candid account highlights the often-unseen struggles of aspiring artists and the resilience required to pursue their dreams. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even with a university education, the path to success can be fraught with challenges.
