Fireboy DML tells Apple Music why 'Peru' is doing numbers, linking with pop icon Madonna and making hits with Ed Sheeran

There’s no slowing down Fireboy DML in 2022. Instead, the hip-hop star is going extra hard with the music-making and finally has time to dish on it with Apple Music 1. From talking about the viral success of ‘Peru’ to rubbing elbows alongside iconic musicians like Madonna and Ed Sheeran - there’s ample talking points for Fireboy.

DML chops it up with Apple Music 1’s Ebro Darden and doesn’t hold back. To make life easier, check out some of the key quotes below and keep scrolling to see them talk it up.

Fireboy DML on the numerous remixes of “Peru,” and working with Ed Sheeran…

It was the Ed Sheeran version first, that's the one that matters, that's the first. That's the one. Everything else was about strategic stuff and all that, but the collaboration was the Ed Sheeran one. My team reached out to me like, "Yo." Jamal Edwards, rest his soul, very close to Ed Sheeran, played the song to him, sent it to him and he loved the song. He took his stance to write a verse, and then he sent me a DM, and sent me VM of his verse. I'm like, "Yo, Ed Sheeran in this record, this is it." Ed Sheeran is someone I sonically connect to, I've looked up to this man for a long time, for as long as I can remember. He actually made me fall in love with the acoustic guitar, and it really meant a lot to me, not just for me, but for the culture as well, because I knew what it would mean for Afrobeats when the record came out. I'm glad to be at the forefront pushing the culture, pushing the genre, this is a record that will stand the test of time. Years later they'll say, "Oh, Afrobeats opened up in the United States worldwide, internationally, and Peru by Fireboy is one of those records that made it happen.” I'm just really glad, that's what we want, to open opportunities and build bridges.

Fireboy DML on how the song “Peru” has nothing to do with the country, and what it’s actually about...

[The word “peru” is] also an allusion to a friend of mine, also an artist, Peruzzi. He has uses this tagline in his songs, so I just use it as... it was like a pun, wordplay kind of thing…I was just really telling the story of a young boy who would find himself in a place that he's never been before. I recorded that song because it was my first time in the United States and I just got off a writer's block. I just come back from Miami where I had the most beautiful time at a strip club. I think I was near depressed, and I just got to the United States and I just was like, "Wow." I just made that song out of that feeling, so I think that's my most spontaneous song I ever made. It was like a 45-minute freestyle.

Fireboy DML on Connecting with Madonna for the remix of her track “Frozen”…

She reached out to me first in 2019 when my first album came out. She was like, "Yo, I love your album, amazing." "Is this the Madonna? Wow, thank you so much, this means a lot to me," blah, blah blah, and that was it. Fast forward to 2022, she hit me up on Instagram. "Yo, hey." I'm like, "Hey, it's her again, wow!" And she's like, "I want you to be a part of my classic, one of my classics." I'm like, "Of course." Then she sends to me, I'm like, "Of course I know this song!" She was like, yeah, she's trying to do a remix. I'm like, "Of course, let's do this," and then went back and forth on WhatsApp. She's a perfectionist just like me. Sort of like a control freak in a way too, I like that about her. We went back and forth and did that, and then we linked up to shoot the video. I think the Madonna record and Peru are easily my favorite collaborations, just because of the vibes that was around when we shot the video. Amazing, organic, natural, that is why I never force collaborations, just for moments like that. Some people force collaborations and the video shoot's always awkward. Nah, nah. It was never like that with Madonna, she's amazing.

Fireboy DML kicking back. Photo credit Apple Music 1.

Fireboy DML on why he chose the title ‘Playboy’…

Playboy, because over the years I've been a very reclusive superstar. You would never run into Fireboy randomly. I only ever got out the house when I had to leave the house, and back home, that's not how superstars do. You're supposed to see superstars everywhere in the club randomly like, "Yo, yo, yo." I've always been a homebody, I've always been this reclusive, chill person. But I decided that I needed to come out of my shell and actually face the reality that is my life right now. I'm a superstar, I need to enjoy my superstardom. I need to embrace the reality that is my life right now. That's what it's about, I'm coming out to play, Playboy.

Fireboy DML pn performing at Wembley Arena later this year…

It's a really big deal. It was a ballsy move for me to be honest. But I just thought, "It's now or never, man. Just do it." …the tickets are selling out fast. I'm not sold out yet, but it's been positive.

Fireboy DML and Ebro Darden linked up. Photo credit Apple Music 1.

Fireboy DML on Working with Rema on “Compromise,” and having more collabs ready to drop…

Myself and Rema are like the two leading artists of our generation, without a doubt. We came together and realized that, "Yo, instead of giving these fans what they want, which is beef, let's collaborate." We don't want to repeat any mistakes from the past, we just want to make money. the fans are still doing their stuff, they're relentless, but we will continue to show love because that's the only way. We are too advanced for this stuff, so we came together and we want to really give them the obvious club banger that they want. We will come together and make proper, proper music, and that's what we did. We have other songs that are immediate club bangers, but they did not fit into the vision that I had for this album. There's like five more records, like five more Fireboy DML and Rema records. I don't know about this year, but I'll be getting it, definitely.

Fireboy DML and Asake's Bandana music video fits just right

Nigerian superstar Fireboy DML and Asake are keeping the vibes rocking with summer still in full swing. The duo have come through on the release of their ‘Bandana’ music video following his Playboy album receiving some major Billboard attention.

Fireboy DML and Asake’s ‘Bandana’ music video is must-see

Fireboy and the fellow YBNL Nation recording artist’s newest visual is fresh from his third studio album. It also comes just in time to get people through the week with fire audio and cinematic fun.

Directed by Nigerian filmmaker and cinematographer TG Omori, who has previously directed videos for Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tekno and more, “Bandana” takes place in a futuristic world with Fireboy DML leading his army gathered by his influence for generations to come. Asake joins singing the harmonious and uplifting chorus, “fear nobody only Jehovah and I thank the lord, I dey go far” as he enters a white church on a local farm land. In between the spirited uproar of their followers, flashbacks of Fireboy with family and moments of reflection within nature, he manifests the life he has created. Asake and Fireboy join together as they sing “Dem never see me coming, Mo gbe wan ni is coming, Naija boy wey dey go foreign” as their army roots for them holding torches in the air. Their collaboration on “Bandana” showcases their groundbreaking impact and serves as an inspiration and representation for their country.

It’s way more than just the music for Fireboy. He’s juggling live performances and impressive chart placement on Billboard as fall low-key starts to inch closer.

Leading the charts with “Peru” & “Bandana” throughout the year, Fireboy helped cement EMPIRE as the leading label in Nigeria holding the #1 spot on the charts for the past 17 weeks according to TurnTable Charts, the Billboard equivalent in Africa. His latest output Playboy released on August 5th, receiving the second biggest debut week ever on Spotify Nigeria and is now leading Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.

He has received massive charting success with record “Peru” marking his first entry on Billboard’s Hot 100, receiving gold-certification in the US and UK with over 300 million streams, and collaborating cross genres with award-winning artists Ed Sheeran, Blxst, 21 Savage, Madonna, and more. Most recently, Fireboy DML became the first African artist to take the stage at the 2022 BET Awards performing “Playboy” and “Peru”, and is set to take over London OVO Arena Wembley on November 13th hosted by YBNL’s Olamide following his recent appearance with Ed Sheeran at his Wembley Stadium show.

Fireboy DML's 'Bandana' is all types of summertime right

The summertime vibes are in full swing and Fireboy DML isn’t slowing down. WIth his Playboy album just a few weeks from reaching the masses, he keeps the temperatures rising with his ‘Bandana’ anthem.

Fireboy DML delivers ‘Bandana’ with Asake

From the production to the powerful vocals, ‘Bandana’ is the type of joyride you don't want to stop. Buckle up and embrace Fireboy’s newest tune with help from Asake.

Powerhouse Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML releases latest single “Bandana” viaYBNL Nation/EMPIRE featuring fellow YBNL Nation recording artist Asake. This is the second offering off of Fireboy’s highly-anticipated third studio album, Playboy, set to release on August 5th.

Introduced by a light rhythmic guitar riff backed by Fireboy’s soulful vocals, “Bandana” immediately offers a joyous feeling backed by Afrobeats-inspired drum beats. Fireboy sings of his fulfillment and surrounding himself with supportive friends and family. Fireboy and Asake join together for a harmonious and uplifting chorus singing, “they never seen me coming, they never ready for me.” Reflecting on their flourishing and groundbreaking impact, “Bandana” serves as an inspiration and representation for Africa.

This new track follows Fireboy DML’s latest single “Playboy” that was released earlier this year accompanied by a video and has reached over 5.5 million streams to-date. He recently became the first African artist to take the stage at the 2022 BET Awards performing “Playboy” and “Peru”.  EMPIRE held a surprise plaque presentation of Fireboy’s “Peru” going RIAA-certified Gold receiving over 150 million streams to-date, and made a guest appearance performing the hit single with Ed Sheeran at his Wembley Stadium show. Fireboy also just performed hit tracks “Peru,” “Jealous,” “Scatter” and more at Wireless Festival.

Fireboy DML's new Playboy album is dropping this summer

Could you use a little Fireboy DML in your life? Look no further than this summer with a newly announced Playboy album reveal and plans to drop a new single in the coming days.

Fireboy DML’s new Playboy album is coming this summer

While we’ll have to wait a month before getting our hands on the new LP, Fireboy’s blessing fans with his ‘Bandana’ single to the masses next week. It’s also set to feature a solid collaboration courtesy of crooner Asake.

Today, Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML announced his highly anticipated third-studio album Playboy via YBNL Nation/EMPIRE releasing on August 5th. He is set to drop his new single “Bandana”featuring Nigerian singer Asake next Friday, July 15th. 

Fireboy’s sophomore album Apollo, debuted at #14 on Billboard World Albums and holds over 320 Million streams to date. In a Pitchfork review he was given an 8.3 out of 10 rating which landed him in the ‘Best New Music’ category, making the project a contender this year in both the Afro and mainstream spaces. This announcement follows Fireboy’s memorable performance at the 2022 BET Awards of “Playboy” & “Peru” and Best International Act nomination.  Last week, EMPIRE held a surprise presentation of Fireboy’s “Peru” RIAA-certified Gold plaque receiving over 150 million streams to-date.

The collabos keep stacking up

He’s no rookie to the game. At this point in his career, Fireboy’s already secured major collaborations with everyone from Grammy-winning artists like Ed Sheehan and 21 Savage to the pop icon Madonna.

Taking the year by storm with the success of “Peru” and his first US tour, Fireboy is seen evolving as an artist, person, and exudes a newfound confidence working with the likes of cross-genre heavy hitters Ed Sheeran, Madonna, 21 Savage, and Blxst. Named as Billboard’s March R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month, Fireboy DML received his first entry on Billboard’s Hot 100 list and over 500 million streams with hit single “Peru.” With remixes by Ed Sheeran, Blxst and 21 Savage, the track has hit #1 on the official Afrobeats chart in the UK and topped the charts in at least 22 countries since its initial release in July, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Liberia, Jamaica, France, Kenya, Ireland, and others. 

Madonna's back-back with her Fireboy DML 'Frozen' remix

Music icon Madonna is still pumping out audio fire. The legendary pop icon has come through on a new music Friday with her Fireboy DML-featuring ‘Frozen’ remix.

Madonna’s back-back with her ‘Frozen’ remix

The anthem comes just in time for T.G.I.F. goals and hits extremely hard. The game-changing musician pairing up with the Nigerian crooner deliver a banger worthy of ample repeat play.

Today, Madonna and masked producer Sickick unleash an emotional, intimate new version of their viral “Frozen (Remix)” featuring Fireboy DML. Listen HERE. Sickick’s sweeping remix first exploded on TikTok in 2021, before being officially released on DSPs by Artist Partner Group/Warner Records in December. Since then, it has amassed nearly 50M streams globally and soundtracked more than 100K TikTok videos.  

Floating over Sickick’s dramatic trap beats and fluttering synths, Nigerian singer Fireboy DML, who has dominated global airwaves with his smash hit “Peru,” takes the remix in a soulful, longing direction. “I thought you loved me, I thought you trusted me,” he croons. “I tried to take care of your heart, but it's frozen.” Fireboy DML’s verse is bookended by Madonna’s ethereal chants and the hummed hook that made “Frozen” a classic upon its initial release in 1998. 

Madonna’s teaser across social media

A few days ago, Madonna teased the possibility of blessing the world with new tunes. The biggest standout between the duo comes courtesy of mystery producer Sickick.

The trio are united in their idiosyncratic and boundary-pushing approach to pop. Sickick is a multi-talented artist, singer, producer, and DJ who is known for his inventive originals and remixes, offers an explanation of his unique mindset that seems to apply to all three collaborators: “If you don't fit in, you're doing something right.” Sometime soon, the collaborators will continue the celebration of their hit with the official video for “Frozen (Fireboy DML Remix),” which Madonna teased on social media. “Music drops March 3rd,” she wrote. “Video soon after!”  

Big things brewing in 2022

Madonna is far from finished putting out more audio heat. She’s celebrating major milestones throughout 2022 and preparing the world for even more hits.

In August 2021, Madonna and Warner Music Group announced a new partnership for publishing and recorded music, as well as a career-spanning multi-year series of releases that will revisit her whole catalog of forward-thinking music. 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Madonna’s recording debut, and this series of releases arrives both as celebration of that impressive body of work, and highlights how, all along the way, she’s remained ahead of the curve, always seeking out new sounds and pushing pop forward. With songs like “Frozen (Fireboy DML Remix),” she proves that she’s intending to keep doing that for a long time to come.