Fireboy DML Clarifies: “I Don’t Make Afrobeats
Nigerian music sensation Fireboy DML has emphasized that his musical style does not fall within the Afrobeats genre, despite incorporating elements from various music genres into his sound.
In a recent appearance on the Amazon Music podcast, ‘B And N,’ the ‘Peru’ crooner reiterated his stance, stating, “As I always said, I don’t make Afrobeats. I just sort of like combined stuffs.”
While Fireboy acknowledged the influence of his Yoruba roots and identity in his music, he highlighted his versatility by exploring different musical styles such as R&B and pop, infused with distinct cultural elements.
He emphasized, “Even when I am making R&B or pop, you can hear the Yoruba ‘h’ factor. You just know that this is not an American or British person, so you can always tell that my roots and my identity are always in my music.”
Reflecting on the current state of the Nigerian music industry and its global recognition, Fireboy emphasized the need for artists to focus on building a sustainable structure for the homegrown music industry.
He expressed his views on the future direction of the genre, emphasizing the importance of shifting attention towards developing a robust framework to support the growth and longevity of Nigerian music.
Fireboy urged fellow artists to leverage the newfound global recognition of Afrobeats and prioritize the establishment of a structured ecosystem that ensures the sustainability and continued success of Nigerian music on the international stage.
His remarks underscore the ongoing conversation within the music industry about the evolution and diversification of Nigerian music genres, highlighting the need for artists to embrace their unique identities while contributing to the growth and development of the industry.