Fireboy DML: “I Don’t Make Afrobeats, I Do Different Kind Of Music

In the world of Nigerian music, a new wave of artists is redefining the landscape by challenging the traditional labels and genres.

One such artist, Fireboy DML, has recently reiterated that he does not make Afrobeats but instead creates a unique blend of music that carries elements of his culture.

During an appearance on the B and N podcast alongside Bloody Civilian, Fireboy made it clear that his music is a fusion of different genres, including R&B and Pop, while still incorporating his cultural identity.

He emphasized that the presence of Yoruba H-Factor in his music distinguishes it from American-made songs and ensures that his roots are always present in his work.

“My music is a reflection of my identity and culture,” said Fireboy, further clarifying that he likes to combine different elements when making music.

This approach has led him to coin the term “Afro-Live,” a genre he claims to have created to differentiate his music from Afrobeats.

Fireboy’s statement has sparked debate and conversation on social media, particularly after his recent performance at Coachella, where he declared “Afrobeats in the house.”

The artist’s claim that he brings soul and depth to Nigerian mainstream pop music has also been met with criticism, as some argue that his music still falls under the umbrella of Afrobeats.

The discussion around the definition and origin of the term “Afrobeats” has been ongoing, with other artists like Burna Boy and CKay coining new terms to describe their music.

Burna Boy refers to his work as “Afro-fusion,” a blend of African elements and other genres, while CKay labels his music as “Afro-Emo,” a combination of African elements and Emo pop music.

As Nigerian music continues to gain global recognition and influence, the debate over genre definitions and cultural identity in music will undoubtedly persist.

Fireboy’s bold assertion that he doesn’t make Afrobeats highlights the complexity and diversity of Nigerian music, as well as the artists’ desire to carve out unique spaces within the global music scene.