Nigerian Afrobeats singer Fireboy DML has opened up about the culture shock he experienced after relocating to Lagos in 2016 to pursue his music career.
The singer, whose real name is Adedamola Adefolahan, recalled that his early days in the Lagos neighbourhood of Surulere were frightening, as he encountered situations that were unfamiliar to him.
Speaking during a recent livestream, Fireboy said he was particularly disturbed by the people and scenes he encountered shortly after arriving in the city.
“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary. In two weeks, I saw someone run mad, dead bodies and cultists. Now I also look like those scary people,” he said.
The singer’s account has attracted attention because it offers a personal perspective on the adjustment challenges faced by people who relocate to Lagos from other parts of Nigeria. His comments also highlight the stark contrast between his expectations before moving to the city and his initial experiences there.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Fireboy did not abandon his ambition of becoming a professional musician. Instead, he gradually adapted to life in Lagos and continued developing his career.
The development is significant because Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s major entertainment and cultural centres, attracting aspiring musicians, actors, entrepreneurs and other young professionals from across the country. The city’s fast-paced lifestyle and diverse population can present a major adjustment for newcomers.
Fireboy DML has since become one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats artists, gaining widespread recognition through hit songs and successful albums. His breakthrough helped establish him as one of the leading artists associated with the contemporary Nigerian music scene.
His recollection of arriving in Lagos provides additional context to the journey behind his rise in the entertainment industry, showing how experiences that initially appeared intimidating became part of his adjustment to the city and his eventual success.
