Adedamola

Adedamola
Studio album by Fireboy DML
Released	29 August 2024
Genre	Afrobeats Contemporary R&B pop[1]
Length	40:00
Language	English Nigerian Pidgin Yoruba
Label	YBNL Nation Empire
Producer	Drexbeats Magicsticks Blaisebeatz Lagbaja Telz Godomarr Foreigngotem WXLA Nxrthmix Spinall Bassiqally Jon Batiste Southtag Semzi Pheelz Eskeez ID Cabasa
Fireboy DML chronology
Playboy (2022) Adedamola (2024)
Singles from Adedamola
"Yawa" Released: 22 June 2023 "Obaa Sima" Released: 7 December 2023 "Everyday" Released: 3 May 2024

Adedamola is the eponymous fourth studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 29 August 2024 by YBNL Nation and Empire, and features guest appearances from artists Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, Lagbaja, Lojay and disc jockey Spinall. The album featured production from Drexbeats, Magicsticks, Blaisebeatz, Lagbaja, Telz, Godomarr, Foreigngotem, WXLA, Nxrthmix, Spinall, Bassiqally, Jon Batiste, Southtag, Semzi, Pheelz, Eskeez and ID Cabasa. The album serves as a follow-up to Playboy (2022).

Fireboy said that the reason for the name of the album was because, "Every single part of me went into this album. It's so personal and feels nostalgic, like a call to home. That's why it's titled Adedamola. I'm excited to share it with the world."^[2]

On 30 August 2024, Adedamola was voted favorite new music release of the past week in a Billboard poll.^[3]

The album's lead single "Yawa" was released on 22 June 2023. The song was produced by Magicsticks and Telz with a Blank Square Production-directed music video.^[4] The second single "Obaa Sima" was released on 7 December 2023 and produced by Bassiqally, Nxrthmix, and Pheelz alongside "Outside" featuring Blaqbonez.^[5] The third and final single off Adedamola, the Blaisebeatz-produced "Everyday", was released on 3 May 2024 with an accompanying lyric video.^[6]

Adeayo Adebiyi from Pulse Nigeria described Fireboy DML's Adedamola as a return to his romantic roots, showcasing his ability to craft genre-blending Afropop tracks. The album was praised for its emotional depth and reflects Fireboy's evolution as an artist while maintaining the essence that captured listeners' hearts in his debut album LTG. Adebiyi notes that Fireboy's romantic themes, combined with strong production and collaborations, make Adedamola a solid project. However, LTG still stands superior in terms of impact. He rated the album 8/10, describing it as a "victory".^[9]

Hope Ibiale of Afrocritik praised Adedamola as "a versatile and meticulously crafted project that showcases Fireboy DML's vocal dexterity" while maintaining a cohesive narrative. She highlights the album's rich collaborations and blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Despite some weaker tracks, she gives the album a rating of 7.4/10, reaffirming Fireboy's position as one of Africa's top artists.^[7]

Ademoye Afeez of NotJustOk commended Adedamola for its authentic and cohesive blend of Fireboy DML's evolving personas, stating, "The singer has come full circle, returning to his roots and staying true to himself." He praised the album for its blend of personal growth and musical versatility, reflecting on Fireboy's journey from a "lover boy" to a more hardened artist. Afeez rated the album an 8.7/10, acknowledging its thematic depth and cohesive sound.^[8]

Tomide Marv of Zikoko described Adedamola as Fireboy DML's most intimate album to date, noting that "He bares his skin on the cover art like 'Come feel me.'" Marv praises the album's blend of styles and its exploration of Fireboy's romantic and sexual nature, calling it "his most enjoyable since Apollo (2020)." He rated the album highly, suggesting that it has the potential to be one of the standout albums of 2024.^[11]

Bomi Anifowose of The Upper Entertainment reflected on Fireboy DML's Adedamola as a pivotal redemption album. After facing criticism and a perceived decline in momentum following Playboy, Fireboy DML's latest release was described as a triumphant return to form. The album, named after Fireboy's first name, was said to showcase his growth and maturity, with a refined songwriting style and exceptional vocals. Anifowose highlighted the album's "world-class" production and emotional features, particularly praising the collaboration with Jon Batiste. The review lauded Adedamola for its soulful and heartfelt execution, awarding it 10/10.^[10]