It’s impossible to get into the old cat, new cat conversation surrounding Afrobeats without acknowledging Olamide’s protégée, Fireboy DML.
Since he popped up on our radar in 2019 with his debut single, Jealous, the YBNL artiste has seen an upward climb that confirmed early suspicions —this one is going to be here for a long time. His vocals, energy and personality have tied into his craft and the magic he brings to live performances. Here’s a list of our favourite performances by the star.
Headies Awards (2019)
Riding off the wave of his hugely successful debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, the singer graced the stage at the 14th Headies Award, and delivered a performance of his single, Champions. Even as stage fright and vocal gymnastics almost got in the way, it was an important moment that set the tone of what to expect whenever you see Fireboy live in action.
The Tonight Show (2021)
Our boy was on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, where he performed a medley of Champion off Apollo (2020) and Vibration off Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps
Tiny Desk (2022)
You know you’re doing something right as an artiste when you score a spot to perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert. For his debut appearance, Fireboy performed a three-song set of Like I do, Tattoo and Pere—with a depth in delivery that opened up listeners and viewers to his unrelenting gospel of “Afro-life”.
Wembley OVO Arena show (2022)
Ed Sheeran wasn’t done with Fireboy after he featured on his hit single, Peru, and made a full appearance in the official music video. He had to complete the trifecta by joining the Afrobeats star on stage at his Wembley OVO Arena show. That singular moment captured what dreams are made of.
BET Awards (2022)
Nigerians were mad excited for the 2022 BET Awards but it wasn’t just because Afrobeat stars packed a punch in the nominations list. Fireboy DML also set that stage on fire. If there were doubts about his artistry before, he destroyed it, ate and left no crumbs. Our boy got the entire BET audience on their feet for Peru.
MOBO Awards (2022)
2022 was a year that put Fireboy’s stagecraft to the test but, boy, was he ready. Understandably, his music had crossed over to the global community and there was a need for a connection between Fireboy the singer and Fireboy the performer. We’re happy to report that he lit that stage with pure flames. Give him a Grammy already.
