Fireboy DML: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
LaTesha Harris | March 3, 2022
Dearly beloved: we are gathered here today to get through this thing called "Afro-life." Surrounded by lush greenery and soft lavender lighting, Fireboy DML makes his Tiny Desk (home) concert debut from Lagos, Nigeria. The Nigerian singer-songwriter delivers the three-song set with an earnest reverence - his warm vocals reflecting a depth of passion and devotion best attributed to being brought up in a church choir.
Fireboy DML describes his wide-ranging sound - a fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, pop and alté (Nigeria's alternative scene) - as "Afro-life." This ambient, feel-good experimentation emerged in 2018 with his breakout single, "Jealous." He went on to drop his debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, in 2019 and his sophomore album Apollo in 2020. A member of YBNL Nation, a record label founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide, Fireboy DML is pushing the vanguard of Afropop alongside contemporaries like Rema, Joeboy and Oxlade. His third album, Playboy, is forthcoming.
SET LIST
"Like I Do"
"Tattoo"
"Peru"
MUSICIANS
Fireboy DML: vocals
Vibe Kings (backing band)
Best Amakhian: guitar
Femi Jacobs Isaac: keyboard
Ebenezar Olayinka: drums
Julius Olabiyi: trumpet
Ayodele Olusegun: bass
CREDITS
Video: Greene 'Abula' Abdulazeez, Bolaji Kareem, Tina Jaiyesinmi, Eniola Awode
Audio: Glitch Africa, Don Zenith, Kenechi Raphael, Sifon Alphonsus
Producer: Ladi Sodimu
Assistant Producer: Adenugba Kelvin
Editor, Colorist: Greene "Abula" Abdulazeez
Location Manager: Yusuf Ganiy
Camera assistant: Demylade Olurombi, Oresajo Opeyemi
Gaffer: Folorunsho Olagunju
Production company: The Greenade Company
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #fireboy

[@aunek2748]

The fact that he sounds exactly like the songs recorded Mannnn he is so talented ❤️😭

[@mantaanafm]

Thanks

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

@@mantaanafm For what?

[@rildwanoluwaseyi5322]

@@XxQueenChristinaxX 😂

[@kikijackson3303]

@@rildwanoluwaseyi5322 thanks

[@jhon_uche]

I like this version better though (The first song)

[@marcusmiles5145]

Fela Kuti would be so proud of how Nigerians have expanded artistically and continues to be a big part of music. ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿 Much love to our 🇳🇬 Brothers and Sisters

[@vewindadrummerboy2473]

Y’all and this Fela thing… yes his music was good and he fought bad governance with it but if we are to be honest …. It’s not melodious

[@e.i1476]

​@@vewindadrummerboy2473 not melodious? He had some of the craziest arrangements when it came to melody and an unbelievable feel of rythm

[@PentameronSV]

0:14 - *Like I Do* (3:19) 3:37 - *Tattoo* 6:31 - *Peru* [10:37 - Tiny Desk team]

[@wordsbymaribeja1470]

Thank you.

[@NollyGreatMovies]

Proud of our Nigerian artistes taking their sounds to every corner of the world. Beautiful performance Fireboy DML!

[@michaelk7962]

Trumpet player and band killed it and dang fireboy can really sing!

[@bo2.4u6]

Sounds like Louis Armstrong on the trumpet!! ♥️

[@happinessmomoh6462]

The guy blowing that trumpet 🔥

[@africasbest1663]

Exactly I was going to say the same thing. 🎺🎼👌🏿

[@ehiokosun7850]

FACTS

[@margaretolamide8080]

His voice though🔥 When you sabi, you sabi abeg. We're proud of you.

[@adascosdreams6513]

That rendition of 'Peru' was so beautiful!

[@maureennjuguna7922]

I'm low-key mad at fireboy because honestly we needed these vibes more than 10 minutes. Loved it!

[@MyMARI3]

I love african music-- they lift their queens up! Its beautiful to see! :) And a lot of the songs that the males sing are very vulnerable and really emotional. So good!:)

[@strategisttravelingsportan4509]

Hello. jays up

[@hevxhev]

Ik same so obsessed.

[@JamesBond-mh3ed]

That’s cause we love our black Queens and I can’t wait to play this song on my wedding day for my black Queen 👸🏾

[@abodunrindamilola8174]

I don't think I have seen a trumpeter that scales like this, Bless Up Nigeria, Afro beats to the world

[@davidolujinmi1919]

You dey whine Nathaniel Bassey?

[@abodunrindamilola8174]

@@davidolujinmi1919 well I know, Nathaniel bassey was actually a Jazz player, before he gets into gospel music, but mind you the genre of this song by fireBoy is actually different from what Nathaniel Bassey plays into

[@pocketslife8963]

I swear he killed every note

[@abodunrindamilola8174]

@@pocketslife8963 yes ma'am every single note....

[@akin_falaiye]

thats julius olayiwola...he is a fine trumpeter...you can also check out Etuk ubong, Jesse Ibidun and etuk Uwana...all brilliant nigerian trumpeters

[@Mboyagain]

I pray I get to perform on NPR desk someday Fireboy is such a big inspiration to our generation

[@DucksUpDogsDownCatsSlide]

I hope it works out for you.

[@Mboyagain]

@@DucksUpDogsDownCatsSlide amen

[@VloggyVloggs]

you will. and im looking forward to it.

[@ayubayusif778]

InshaAllah

[@vibesvibes1556]

I will be waiting

[@kennethhymes9734]

Such a gorgeous falsetto, with lots of air and detail, agility with precision. Really nice.

[@Lex_LaFoy]

This is my first time seeing/hearing this artist. So dope

[@tajudeenafolabionifade7713]

He’s a Nigeria artiste

[@suntalker8707]

One of the best Tiny Desk concerts. 🇺🇸 totally enjoyed it

[@mr_lusifar_999]

Yes, after tiwa’s lol 😂

[@streetlandlordtv2658]

One of the few afrobeat artist that is natural 💪💪 fireboy is going to win Grammy faster than any of his mate in the industry

[@popyoung5606]

Amen🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@moyooluwatuyi7811]

From OAU to the world!!!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@BerryBlaqMusic]

Wherever, Whenever fireboy sings I'm confident about him and his craft.

[@colinampofo5848]

Respect to these Nigerians though. Superb content always

[@brendariley9433]

I am in love with AFROBEAT MUSIC!!

[@dianaufuah1717]

This was absolutely soothing to watch. Fireboy to the world.

[@hildaigereh3025]

I'm biased when it comes to Fireboy but this performance was actually lit. The fact that he sounds like the recorded versions, I'm proud.

[@mankindh4410]

This was really refreshing..I love the cool twist to all the songs. The trumpet player is the secret recipe here..much love, Fireboy

[@NazarofGod]

The trumpet was the perfect replacement for BG vocals

[@sybilfly]

Such beautiful music

[@itsdatgoodgood]

Peru sounded so good! love the melodies!

[@elvismugo]

I thought he'd also Need You because of the acoustic vibe. That's how you know his catalogue is legendary

[@iRepNGR]

Fireboy and his class are changing the game of Afrobeats acts and I am here for it....Can't wait for Oxlade to get his recognition

[@bruxtonfitness9880]

See vocals wey dey give goosebumps anyhow... Fireboy too good ,abeg

[@mikeythamason]

He’s such a good artist

[@MPUMIMLAMBO_]

One thing about Afrobeats artists , they’ll sing about how much they love their girls .😍

[@peaceosemwengie4154]

He has a tiny desk concert?!?!?!?!? Aaaaarrrggggghhhhh! I'm screamiiiinnnnnnnggggggg!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@we_are_doomed123]

Mindblowing! Tiwa Savage, Burna and now my favourite - Fireboy

[@lizziebabii87]

Like I do will always be one of my favorite songs but man the way he sang this song during this Tiny Desk I need the full version. His voice is so HEAVENLY!!!!

[@josephyinka7845]

i totally agree with you, it voice is soul touching in that fist song, i was hoping it continues.........

[@VICTORKARO]

the trumpeter plays brilliantly...band is on point!

[@Ari-Tres-Chic]

Airplane mode would have been perfect with this acoustic set!

[@OmobolanleL]

Superstar Fireboy Dml....undiluted Voice✅

[@adekunbiogungbesan2243]

This is amazingly beautiful. I never knew that fireboy is this vocally strong. His vocals is fire

[@adekunbiogungbesan2243]

Am wowed.

[@angelamann4899]

Come to the continent

[@SavvyOlawale]

Really??? You don't know. The guy is a beast.🤣🤣 Forget all them Wiz, Burna or Davido struggle. He's clear pls.

[@adekunbiogungbesan2243]

@@SavvyOlawale i know now but i think they all hv their different areas of uniqueness and strength.

[@SavvyOlawale]

@@adekunbiogungbesan2243 Sure.

[@jessicathedancer1]

His voice has so much heart in it 💛🎶

[@adekunbiogungbesan2243]

Exactly.

[@mugumearnold6523]

I think he was a worshipper in church

[@mugumearnold6523]

Imagine him sing like I do in Church

[@jessicathedancer1]

@@mugumearnold6523yes 🙌 it is definitely a song about divine love

[@nwananka]

Omo see groove. Nice performance, you represent yourself and naija well. Its also good for international audience to see the artist behind some of your trending tiktok soundtracks or dance challenge

[@mbalisiphokazimdladla3072]

Can't wait to see more African artists on Tiny Desk! Well done Fireboy DML ❤️

[@nzuix]

Check out Tina Salvage, Davido, Burna Boy, and Wikipedia on NPR Tiny Desk.

[@therealist2866]

@@nzuix and Tems 🔥

[@akatukwasaaloysious3441]

@@nzuix who is Wikipedia??🤣

[@MPUMIMLAMBO_]

Watching from South Africa 🇿🇦, I’m so proud to say the least .

[@jeffok5427]

This is how a Tinydesk concert should look like 🤩.... Am loouuuu.... Fire boy fire on . Much love from cameroon

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

Nice performance. I would've loved to see "Jealous" tho.

[@jlambo9319]

Agreed!!!

[@peterasiedu1851]

I thought that would be first song he’d sing

[@adejml8293]

Agreed

[@noziphomathe4532]

I only came for that song 👀 will stay and watch the rest tho

[@thorfinnoars1443]

Vibration too

[@arturwodarczyk7752]

250k views... I wish it had over millions, coz it deserves more and more. Love it with all my heart. Coming back to this vid every time I doubt myself.

[@one954love]

He sounds just like the album! Incredible; this is so good! 🥹🫶🏼♥️

[@rodneymosley1626]

Wow! This dude is incredible! I absolutely love his vibe.

[@dinbeats]

Smooth vibes NPR 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@Musicbender1]

The trumpet backup 🔥🔥

[@Moreofagirl]

Why am I tearing up, his voice omg😭 💜💜🚀

[@naijabelle4961]

Fireboy ❤️❤️💕Firegirl

[@nzuix]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍

[@Ibdamilare]

The trumpeter and bassist.... I mean all of em!!Lit!

[@sanflowersun5200]

Fireboy is so immensely talented!!!!

[@IMTHUNDERBOY]

I feel good hearing Ghana language in Nigerian songs 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sheismih]

1 year late but the band was in blues, jazz and soul🎶 Fireboy is courageous👏🤍

[@cecilia9643]

I never experrred it! This was amazing!!! Brought a smile to my face and opened up my soul! ...Making me want to catch a flight to Naija

[@goudjomichel]

I have to admit I didn't expect him to be this good.

[@tiktokvibes5027]

How I wish Nigeria's private sector would venture into manufacturing like Russia in leathal armoury and south Korea in exotic products.We should be very strong in manufacturing in all spheres of human endeavour.We need to put respect on the name of Nigeria when that name Nigeria is mentioned.We must go for this right away,we cannot wait for good government!

[@agberodongetinternet8651]

one step at a time we are laying the groundworks already. we as Africans must as a matter of urgency focus on self-sustainability

[@truethots3088]

I noticed people never actually know what happening on ground. Yes we are behind but there is a LOT currently going on in Naija. Just research and not just be sentimental

[@getafricanized]

Are you kidding me? You don't know what's happening in Nigeria for the past few years... Wait for another 5 more years and the world won't be able to contain what Nigeria has to offer... Forget government aside

[@Damian-rt3rt]

@@getafricanized but in Nigeria, our government is not just clueless, they are literally working against us. They will frustrate you and run you aground. The successful Nigerians do so against all odds.

[@PkayOfficiall]

The tattoo rendition is spot-on!!

[@mendtheboy]

I dunno if there's any genre like AfroJazz but that trumpet sounds so so amazing like something a 60s Jazzists would play

[@Ja31982]

This gave me life. I love his music so much, im elated to know he has an amazing live voice. Cus we all know some ppl just aint got the juice once outside the recording booth! LOL.

[@ellakgyekye6765]

The music always sounds better when you love the person performing ❤️💯

[@samb7076]

Fireboy & band, thank you for the dancing in my living and the beautiful memories I just created jamming to your TinyDesk performance. 👏👏👏🎚🎼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎙💃 singing and dancing barefooted without a care in the world🥰

[@sia_ibk]

This voice is too smooth

[@samuelsummer150]

He took the tattoo track to another level 😢🔥🔥😮

[@7777josemaria]

Extraordinary my favourite artist of Afrobeat!! You are the BEST Fireboy DML. I love 😍 your incredible voice.🔥

[@kuku7230]

Okay the band was fire🔥🔥 So much talent in one video My baby is making me too proud

[@3nterprisevideos]

Trumpet player went in!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆

[@pelumi4942]

Just give him the Grammy already

[@mwenjepreciousmaiwanga8779]

This kid is so talented 😊

[@jaidi4427]

Normally, I love tattoo, but this rendition? Flawless😭❤️

[@hopebirungi994]

This peru song... Can't stop dancing to it

[@dorothymcallister6354]

I saw the whole video and fell so in love with Fireboy singing acoustically it blew my mind. He is so soft and sweet with just enough vibe flowing... Awesome

[@Bayoir]

I'm speechless! I'm soo proud! I have run out of accolades for this guy! God bless the day you set door into our world! You are gonna be here for soo long and your impact will be felt across the world. You are here now anyway. It's an upward curve from here! God bless your talent ❤️❤️

[@gratitudestudios7970]

Always doing justice to live sessions @fireboy

[@kuku7230]

I'm going to sleep here!! The vocals are clear. Damola baby 😍

[@ebenewoodluna]

So Beautiful vibe and emotion... Magnifique ce mix AfroJazz! 🌞🌊🍹🎶🎶🎶🎶🌏🇲🇫

[@_orangegorilla]

This version of Peru !!!

[@latexgarden]

Fireboy you have touched my soul so deeply. Thank you for sharing you beautiful music and artisty with us. I would remember you forever. 💖

[@WimbikayiNhandara]

1st song gave me goosebumps and made me tear over haha... shame he is so good!!!

[@CocoaBelow]

Amazing. Wish it was longer!

[@graceg.o.936]

Love it all... The artists, the vibe, the singer's fashion style... 🤩

[@priscillaedaaboagyewaa7395]

Same here ...Everything is on point ..Big ups Africa

[@Namastejones]

The smooth vocals, the fashion and the vibe. One day I will work with Fireboy DML! 🔥

[@eben6492]

Omo! Fireboy finish work🔥 I have a hard time choosing between the live performance of Peru and the actual song now 🥺

[@popyoung5606]

I can't stop looking it after every one hour I'm back again to watch this❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ his voice simple but clear is special

[@ibrahimrobiu3030]

This is truly Fire, Fireboy. Fire 🔥🔥 everywhere. Someone pls call the fire extinguisher company...🤣🤣

[@quartzzhuit]

With love from Ghana 🇬🇭💕

[@macomellnkhoma]

From Zambia .. just listen to this loving melodic voice ... Fire boy u the goat 🐐🐐😍😍😍

[@aunek2748]

Fireboy is so handsome abeg 😭😭😭❤️love this guy

[@bashmoniolami9327]

Fireboy🔥why!! why!!! Why is your voice so sweet

[@PureeYelloww7]

This Version Of Peru Is E V E R Y T H I N G You Hear Me ?!

[@manuelfernandez4812]

Muchas gracias Tiny Desk Concert, por acercar estos músicos y su arte, nigerianos. No es fácil comprender sus lenguas Yoruba, Edo....y otras. Pero la vitalidad, el fuego, la fuerza expresiva y ese ritmo son muy fuertes y potentes. Gracias Fireboy.

[@Starrysofficial]

Omoo!!! His rendition of "Peru Para" is sending me!!! 💃💃💃💖💖💖

[@live2rise]

The finest performance I've watched on npr tiny desk so far.

[@RoseBasemera]

Watching this from Uganda 🇺🇬. Just enjoying this 😊

[@47crazed]

Comeback to Colorado. im your number one fan here ahhahaahhahha. PLEASE RELEASE YOUR NEW ALBUM

[@lovethfrank204]

Oh my gosh fireboy you and your boys nailed it just can’t get enough of it.the trumpeter is so good this is amazing.thanks for feeding our souls with beautiful melodies 🙏🏽🥰

[@alindaanice8052]

Uganda is waiting for u on 30th April💃💃💃💃💃💃💃

[@anasonclarke4472]

Afrobeats is Now. God bless DML and all those reading this comment.

[@Theakalafamily]

I’m so happy about this tiny desk 🥰Thank God for you..

[@staj]

Afrobeats is in Brilliant hands like his! Thank God! Utterly Amazing! 👑🍾

[@ALANHUMAN1]

Русские обожают npr если что. И очень хотят вступить в мирный договор с НАТО. Пожалуйста, услышьте! Мы Люим и уважаем всех. И не хотим постоянных войн на нашем континенте. Я сам с кавказа и ценю и уважаю любую культуру. Спасибо за то что вы делаете. Музыка - это счастье.

[@darriswilson1010]

Beautiful voice!!!!!!!!