London, UK – In a startling revelation, Nigerian music sensation Fireboy DML (real name Adedamola Adefolahan) has disclosed that he was moments away from abandoning his musical dreams to become a rechargeable lamp street hawker under Lagos’ Ajah Bridge before rapper Olamide signed him to YBNL Nation in 2018.
Fireboy’s Pre-Fame Struggles: The Untold Story
During an emotional interview on The 90s Baby Show in London, the Peru hitmaker shared:
✔ “I Was Selling Pepper Soup” – Fireboy admitted running a small pepper soup business while secretly pursuing music, hiding his struggles from his parents.
✔ “The Lamp Seller Pitch” – He revealed meeting a trader under Ajah Bridge who convinced him to switch to selling rechargeable lamps, which he saw as “more dignified” than food vending.
✔ Olamide’s Divine Timing – The YBNL deal came just as he prepared to quit music entirely. “Thank God Olamide signed me when he did,” he reflected.
The Meteoric Rise: From YBNL to Global Fame
🔥 2018 Breakthrough – Fireboy’s smash single Jealous on YBNL’s Mafia Family album announced his arrival
🔥 2019 Debut Album – Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (featuring hits like What If I Say) cemented his superstar status
🔥 2023 International Collabs – Performed with Ed Sheeran at London’s Wembley Stadium
Why This Revelation Matters
1️⃣ Relatability Factor – Shows even top artists face near-miss moments before success
2️⃣ Olamide’s Eye for Talent – Reinforces the YBNL boss’ reputation for discovering raw talent
3️⃣ Hustle Culture – Highlights the extreme lengths Nigerian creatives go through before “making it”
Fan Reactions
💬 “This makes me appreciate Fireboy’s journey even more!” – @AfroMusicLover
💬 “Olamide needs a ‘Talent Spotter of the Year’ award!” – @YBNLFanatic
What’s Next for Fireboy?
🎤 Working on his highly anticipated fourth studio album
🌍 Planning a 2024 world tour
📈 Expanding his business ventures
Your Turn:
👉 Would you have recognized Fireboy’s talent if you saw him selling lamps? COMMENT below!
👉 Tag someone who needs to hear this inspirational story 🔥
👉 Which Fireboy song saved your life? Drop your favorite!
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