Artists Adekunle Gold and Olamide channel 70s fashion, posing against a classic black Mercedes-Benz with a custom ‘YB NL’ plate to announce their joint single, ‘Formation.’ Photo Credit: Adekunle Gold/Instagram

In the world of Afrobeats, few stories are as poignant as the rise of the YBNL dynasty. This week, Adekunle Gold took us down memory lane while looking toward the future, announcing a new single with his mentor and former label boss, Olamide.

Can we talk about the fashion for a second? The pair went full 70s-chic in a garage filled with vintage hubcaps and golden lighting. AG Baby gave us sophisticated “Boss” energy in an oversized brown blazer, while Olamide served a major look in mustard yellow and flared trousers. The car is a classic Mercedes with a custom “YBNL” plate. It’s giving “Rich Uncles,” and we are here for it.

Artists Adekunle Gold and Olamide channel 70s fashion, posing against a classic black Mercedes-Benz with a custom ‘YB NL’ plate to announce their joint single, ‘Formation.’ Photo Credit: Adekunle Gold/Instagram

But it’s not all just about the aesthetic. Adekunle Gold got real with his fans about how much Olamide means to him. He shared that back in 2014, Olamide was the one who gave him his big break, taking him from a dreamer in Lagos to a global star. If you remember singing “Sade” at the top of your lungs back in 2015, you know how huge this is.

The new track is called “Formation” (no, not that one, Beyoncé fans!) and it arrives on 9 April. Gold says it’s all about “legacy and brotherhood.” Honestly we just can’t wait to see what these two have cooked up. Mark your calendars, because the kings of YBNL are back together

 

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Long before ‘Peru‘ took over airwaves, Fireboy DML was just a recent graduate chasing a dream in Lagos, with no connections, no clear plan, and no guarantees. He was writing songs to survive, performing to unrecognised crowds, and keeping his struggles quiet from his family.

Then came a message from Olamide. Out of the blue. A WhatsApp DM that would change everything. Fireboy shares on the 90s Baby Show. According to him, Olamide wasn’t even looking to sign anyone at the time, but after hearing Fireboy’s sound, he reached out via WhatsApp, and just like that, Fireboy became part of the YBNL family. A real “sliding into your destiny” moment.

That belief led to a record deal with YBNL and, eventually, his breakout track ‘Jealous,’ which first appeared on the YBNL Mafia Family compilation in 2018. It was the beginning of a new chapter. One that would bring ‘Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps,’ sold-out shows, international tours, and features with global superstars.

But fame comes with its own surprises. Like the rumour that he’d bought a private jet, something even his mother believed. He laughed it off and clarified that it wasn’t true, noting how fame sometimes comes with unexpected and amusing headlines.

Now, with his latest album ‘Adedamola,’ Fireboy is reflecting deeper—on growth, purpose, and the kind of stories he wants to tell next.

Fireboy calls his sound Afro-Life: a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, shaped by emotion and storytelling.

Watch the full interview below. But be warned: it might just inspire you to keep chasing your own dream, no matter how uncertain it seems.

The post “Olamide Signed Me on WhatsApp” – Fireboy DML Talks Music & the Message That Changed Everything appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.