Nigerian music sensation Fireboy DML has shared intriguing details about his experience recording his self-titled fourth album, which features collaborations with several legendary artists, including Nigerian music icon Lagbaja, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star Seun Kuti, Grammy winner Jon Baptiste, and hitmaker Lojay.
In a recent interview with Apple Music Africa Now, Fireboy disclosed a surprising fact about his collaboration with Lagbaja on the track “Back & Forth.”
According to Fireboy, despite spending time in the studio together, he never got to see Lagbaja’s face as the legendary musician kept his iconic mask on throughout the session.
“You would not believe this: [Lagbaja] was masked up in the studio. It was crazy—I did not get to see his face,” Fireboy revealed. “But you know, all that matters is that we made the music. That’s what makes Lagbaja, Lagbaja. You know, ‘Lagbaja,’ where I’m from, in the Yoruba language, means, ‘Mr. Nobody,’ an anonymous person; so it’s only right that I do not get to see his face.”
Fireboy expressed his admiration for Lagbaja, emphasizing how special it was to have him featured on the album.
He noted that one of the central themes of the album is nostalgia, which inspired him to collaborate with legendary figures in Nigerian music to add depth and a sense of history to the project.
“That’s a special record, right there. It means a lot to me getting a legend like Lagbaja on that record, in [the] time that we are in now,” Fireboy said.
In addition to Lagbaja, Fireboy also worked with Seun Kuti on the album. He credited Olamide, the A&R and leader of YBNL Nation, for suggesting Kuti’s involvement. Fireboy described Seun Kuti as an incredible, humorous individual with a vibrant personality.
“Big shout out to Olamide, one of the A&Rs on the album. He advised me, ‘I hear Seun Kuti on this,’ and the moment he said that it just clicked,” Fireboy recounted. “He’s a very cool guy, Seun Kuti. Amazing person, very funny, down to earth, and really hilarious. It was fun making the record with him.”
Fireboy’s fourth album also includes a song that pays tribute to Afropop legend Wande Coal, showcasing his deep respect for the artists who have shaped the history of African music.
Fireboy describes the album as both a tribute to these legends and a testament to his own growth as an artist.
“This whole album is more like a tribute to all the legends that shaped African music over the years, and also a testament to myself, of course, and my growth over the years,” Fireboy concluded.
