About the Album
“APOLLO” is the second studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML, released in August 2020 through YBNL Nation and EMPIRE. The 17-track project followed his acclaimed debut Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps and presented a more confident and mature side of the artist.
The album features D Smoke, Wande Coal and Olamide, with notable songs including “Champion,” “Spell,” “Eli,” “Tattoo,” “Favourite Song,” “New York City Girl,” “Lifestyle,” “Airplane Mode,” “Afar” and “Remember Me.”
The Sound
APOLLO builds on Fireboy’s signature Afro-life approach, bringing together Afrobeats, contemporary Afropop, R&B, pop and alternative influences. The production moves between laid-back melodies, sensual R&B textures and brighter dance-oriented arrangements, giving the 48-minute project considerable sonic variety.
Producers including Pheelz, Type-A, P.Prime and iamBeatz contribute to the album’s polished sound. Collaborations with Wande Coal on “Spell,” D Smoke on “Champion” and Olamide on “Afar” add different vocal and stylistic dimensions without taking the focus away from Fireboy.
What the Album Is About
The album explores several sides of Fireboy’s life as his career began moving to another level. Love and attraction remain important themes, particularly on songs such as “Spell,” “Tattoo,” “Go Away” and “New York City Girl.” However, APOLLO also spends more time examining fame, ambition, personal pressure and the changes that come with success.
“Lifestyle” reflects his growing confidence and public profile, while “Airplane Mode” takes a more introspective approach, addressing the pressure associated with fame and the desire for privacy and solitude. “Afar” brings a different perspective, with Fireboy asking people who do not wish him well to keep their distance.
The album title draws from Apollo, the Greek god associated with music, poetry and several other domains. Fireboy uses that larger-than-life concept while still filling the project with very human subjects such as love, doubt, desire, ambition and vulnerability.
Listen on Hitzeer
“APOLLO” by Fireboy DML brings together romance, ambition, confidence and introspection across 17 carefully produced tracks. Stream the complete album on Hitzeer and explore the project that captured an important stage in Fireboy DML’s artistic growth.
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