Nigerian singer and songwriter Adedamola Adefolahan, better known as “Fireboy,” has released his fourth studio album, and we’re excited to have our lover boy back! I still remember the thrill I got from his breakout single “Jealous”, the romance of “Need You,” and “King” (my all-time favourite). Then we got the party boy with “Scatter”, before diving into the playboy era with “Playboy”, and “All Of Us Ashawo.” Now that he’s back to his lover boy roots, I couldn’t be more excited.
With the much-awaited release, the Nigerian music sensation has captured the attention of his admirers, becoming this week’s fan favourite album on Billboard. He received 62% of the votes over new music releases from Victoria Monét, Usher, A$AP Rocky, Noah Kahan, Big Sean, and more.
Let’s dive into the album
“Adedamola” has 14 standout tracks featuring top vocalists and lyricists like Jon Batiste, Spinall, Lojay, Lagbaja, and Seun Kuti. The album showcases fantastic collaborations and blends various musical instruments to create incredible music. Every song on the album shows Fireboy’s musical mastery, but here are my favourite songs:
Hell and back
Can I just say I love wicked women? Ughh! They tickle my fancy, and I love how Fireboy tells of his experience with a “wicked” woman in this beautiful mid-tempo tune. To the ‘wicked woman’ in question, “Omotola,” thank you for inspiring our boy!
Letting go ft. Lojay
What is better than one loverboy? Two lover boys! This is another mid-tempo song with amazing lyrics and creative vocal blends between both artists as they plead with their lovers to love them back. Seeing men being vulnerable with their women? I love it! “Letting Go” is definitely my favourite feature on the album.
Ecstasy ft. Seun Kuti
What’s a ‘lover boy’ album without a “slow-tempo-sexual tension-giving” number? Fireboy does a remarkable job with his lyrics, which do nothing but praise his lover. Seun Kuti’s saxophone interlude perfectly blends with the vibe of the song, completely sealing it as a lovers’ soundtrack.
Call me
I’m not going to lie—this one had to grow on me, but now I’m obsessed. The lyrics tell of a man who’s intentional and patient with his lover—what more could a woman ask for? The song starts with an upbeat Afrobeats tempo that gets you moving and continues as Fireboy delivers amazing vocals.
Back n forth ft. Lagbaja
I certainly did not expect a “Lagbaja comeback,” but I am here for it. The “Lagbaja feel” is very evident in this song, from the saxophone interlude at the intro that reminds you of Lagbaja’s “Faraway” to his verse and the outro with his signature style. Fireboy also does amazing with his vocals and lyrics, leaving listeners entranced as he professes his unwavering love for his lover.
Ready ft. Jon Batiste
Every woman should sleep and wake up to “Ready,” especially with the mix of Fireboy’s vocals and Jon Batiste’s piano prowess. This slow-tempo R&B masterpiece is a beautiful blend of music and captivating lyrics that tugs at your heartstrings each time.
Everyday
I’m not going to say too much; just listen to the song, especially the chorus. Everyday is ‘the’ song for every lover girl.
There are definitely no misses on the album, and once again, Fireboy proves that he is “Adedamola,” the lover boy we’ve always known and longed for.