Fireboy is one of the most disrespected acts in the Nigerian music scene, and it is unfortunate. Despite his numerous achievements, he has not received the recognition he deserves and is often excluded from many discussions where he should be considered. To break this cycle, it is essential to evaluate Fireboy’s credentials for inclusion in the Big 4 of Nigerian music. Fireboy represents the beginning of the new school dynasty of YBNL, debuting their new wave.
He stands as one of the best vocalists and songwriters in the Afrobeats community, championing the Afropop and Afro R&B (all bracketed into Afro Fusion) genres. To assess his potential for inclusion, we will highlight his achievements based on our established parameters.
As used in previous evaluations, there are key measures to consider each artist’s case for the Big 4:
– Longevity
– Consistency
– Multiple quality projects
– Commercial performance
– Star power (local and international)
LONGEVITY
Fireboy debuted in 2018 with a single and gained fame the following year with “Jealous,” making him active for over six years. Having six years under his belt as one of the best acts in the scene is an impressive feat. He has also maintained a steady stream of creative outputs, remaining as potent as ever.
CONSISTENCY
In those six years, Fireboy has released three albums and a significant number of singles, showcasing his remarkable consistency. He released his debut album in the year he gained fame, followed by a sophomore album the next year, and completed his trifecta two years later. Additionally, he has consistently converted his releases into hits, ensuring his presence in the music scene at all times.
MULTIPLE QUALITY PROJECTS
Fireboy has released three albums, each with extraordinary credentials. His debut album, “Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps,” is already considered one of the most iconic debut albums in Afrobeats history. The subsequent albums that completed the trifecta are on par with Burna Boy’s in terms of consecutive hits. Achieving this within three years makes his accomplishments even more impressive.
COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE
Fireboy has achieved respectable success in terms of certifications, with several songs like “Playboy,” “Peru,” and “Bandana” receiving certifications in multiple countries. His hit single “Champion” was used by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations, and “Scatter” from his debut album was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack. Additionally, he has an album in the top 10 streamed Nigerian albums, and his hit “Peru” enjoyed massive success.
STAR POWER
To evaluate star power, we consider fan base, impact on culture, and live performances. Fireboy has a strong following, making him a contender with Rema for the new school king crown. His impact on culture is evident through his albums, particularly his debut, which set a high standard for subsequent releases. Fireboy has sold out shows worldwide, with his most notable performance being a sold-out 12.5k capacity show at the OVO Wembley Arena.
By evaluating these parameters, do you think Fireboy has a shot at the Big 4? Let us know your thoughts on our Twitter page.
