Adedamola Adefolahan — known professionally as Fireboy DML — is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Afrobeats, blending soul, R&B, and pop sensibilities into a sound that resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders. Signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation — the same label that launched Asake — Fireboy has carved out a unique emotional lane in a genre often dominated by high-energy club anthems. His net worth is estimated at $4 million as of 2026, built on a string of hit albums, a landmark collaboration with Ed Sheeran, and relentless touring across Africa, Europe, and North America.
- Quick Facts
- Early Life & Education
- Career Timeline
- Net Worth & Income Sources
- Net Worth Over Time
- Personal Life
- Awards & Recognition
- Little-Known Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Walk Through the Article
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Adedamola Adefolahan |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1996 |
| Age | 30 years old (2026) |
| Birthplace | Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Net Worth | $4 Million (2026) |
| Label | YBNL Nation (Olamide) |
| Known For | “Peru”, “Jealous”, “Tattoo”, Ed Sheeran collaboration |
Early Life & Education
Fireboy DML was born on February 5, 1996, in Abeokuta, Ogun State — a city in southwestern Nigeria known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Growing up in a relatively modest household, he discovered his passion for music early, initially drawn to soul and R&B music from the US and UK alongside Nigerian Afrobeats.
He attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, where he studied English Language — the same institution attended by his YBNL labelmate Asake. His time at OAU was formative: he honed his songwriting craft, studied literature that informed his lyrical sensibility, and performed at campus events that built his early fanbase. He was spotted by talent scouts connected to YBNL Nation during this period.
Unlike many artists who drop out of university for music, Fireboy completed his degree — a fact that speaks to his disciplined, methodical approach to his craft. He signed with YBNL Nation shortly after graduation, giving him the platform to release music to a national audience for the first time.
Career Timeline
2019 — Debut Album and Instant Recognition. Fireboy’s debut album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (2019) was released to immediate critical acclaim. Singles like “Jealous”, “Vibration”, and “King” established his signature sound: lush production, introspective lyrics, and a vocal delivery that felt more influenced by Frank Ocean and Sam Smith than traditional Afrobeats. The album won him the Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album and announced him as one of Nigeria’s most exciting new talents.
Fireboy DML’s live performances are known for their emotional depth — his soulful delivery connects with audiences on a level that transcends language and culture.
2020–2021 — Apollo and Global Breakthrough. His second album Apollo (2020) expanded his sonic palette and commercial reach, debuting at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart. The standout track “Peru” — released as a standalone single in 2021 — became his biggest hit to date, crossing into international markets with a bouncy, danceable energy that differed from his usual introspective style. The song’s viral success on TikTok and streaming platforms led to a life-changing phone call.
2021 — Ed Sheeran Remix and International Stardom. Ed Sheeran, one of the world’s best-selling artists, heard “Peru” and personally reached out to Fireboy to request a collaboration. The resulting “Peru (Remix)” featuring Ed Sheeran became a massive global hit, charting in the UK top 10 and reaching audiences in over 50 countries. For many international listeners, it was their first introduction to Afrobeats through Fireboy’s voice — a gateway moment similar to what “Essence” did for Wizkid.
2022–2026 — Playboy, Adedamola, and International Touring. Playboy (2021) and Adedamola (2023) continued his artistic evolution. By 2026, Fireboy is a regular on European and North American festival lineups and has headlined his own UK and US tours.
Net Worth & Income Sources
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Notes |
| International Touring & Live Shows | $800K–1.5M/year | UK, Europe, US tours; festival headline slots |
| Music Streaming Royalties | $500K–800K/year | “Peru” global streams; growing back catalogue |
| Brand Endorsements | $300K–600K/year | Nigerian and emerging international deals |
| YouTube Monetisation | $150K–300K/year | Tens of millions of YouTube views |
| Songwriter Royalties | $200K–400K/year | Writes own material; “Peru” publishing revenue ongoing |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $4 Million (2026) |
Net Worth Over Time
Before his YBNL signing, Fireboy’s net worth was negligible. After Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (2019), early estimates placed him at under $1 million. The “Peru” viral moment and subsequent Ed Sheeran remix in 2021 dramatically increased his international booking value and streaming income. By 2022, estimates rose to $2–3 million. Sustained international touring and the success of Adedamola have brought him to the $4 million range by 2026.
Fireboy DML has developed a distinctive artistic identity that sets him apart from the typical Afrobeats aesthetic — introspective, fashion-forward, and deeply lyrical.
Personal Life
Fireboy DML is notably private about his personal life, rarely discussing relationships or personal matters in interviews. He has spoken about his literary influences — authors like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka — and how his English Literature degree informs his songwriting. He describes himself as an introvert who channels his emotional life into music rather than social media.
Awards & Recognition
Fireboy DML has won multiple Headies Awards, including Best R&B/Pop Album for his debut. He has received BET Award nominations and has been featured on several “artists to watch” lists in the UK and US following his Ed Sheeran collaboration. He is widely credited with pioneering a more introspective, R&B-influenced lane within Afrobeats that has influenced a wave of younger Nigerian artists.
Little-Known Facts
- Fireboy DML completed his English Language degree at Obafemi Awolowo University before launching his music career — one of the few major Nigerian pop stars to finish university first.
- Ed Sheeran personally reached out to request the “Peru” remix after hearing the original — one of the most high-profile organic collaborations in recent Afrobeats history.
- “Peru” charted in the UK top 10, making Fireboy one of a small number of Nigerian artists to achieve a UK top 10 hit.
- He is signed to YBNL Nation — the same label as Asake — under founder Olamide, one of Nigeria’s most respected music industry figures.
- Despite his emotional musical style, Fireboy began his YBNL career recording Yoruba-language tracks before finding his signature English-language sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OHoFGSKE5g
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fireboy DML’s net worth in 2026?
Fireboy DML’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million as of 2026. His income comes from international touring, streaming royalties from his albums and the global hit “Peru”, brand endorsements, and songwriter royalties.
What is Fireboy DML’s real name?
Fireboy DML’s real name is Adedamola Adefolahan. He was born on February 5, 1996, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
How did Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran collaborate?
Ed Sheeran heard Fireboy’s “Peru” and personally reached out to request a collaboration. The “Peru (Remix)” was released in 2021 and became a global hit, reaching the UK top 10 and introducing Fireboy’s music to a massive international audience.
What record label is Fireboy DML signed to?
Fireboy DML is signed to YBNL Nation, the record label owned by Nigerian rap legend and music executive Olamide. YBNL is one of Nigeria’s most successful independent labels, also home to Asake.
