This is the impact of Fireboy DML Billboard hot 100 entry in the Nigerian music industry
Fireboy did it; he cracked the most prestigious chart in the world with his smash hit, “Peru.” and here is the impact of Fireboy DML Billboard hot 100 entry in Nigerian music.
The Billboard entry may not seem so special to so many people right now, after all, Wizkid was on the charts week after week, and CKay was just there a while ago.
But contrary to what the successes of these two guys (Wizkid and CKay) may have had you believe, the Hot 100 is still a very valid prize. It is an achievement. Maybe not for artists like Drake who have a hundred entries. But for artists like Fireboy, doing Afrobeats or pangolo, this is everything!
Fireboy came to the limelight back in 2018 after Olamide put him on and signed him to his YBNL label. Since then, he has released two solid albums.
His debut came in 2019 and only a few artists have been able to outdo him since.
His sophomore, “Apollo” followed in 2020, and was ultimately a critical and commercial success.
While a third album was expected last year, he didn’t come through with that. Instead, he went on a guest feature run that ultimately led to the release of his hit, “Peru” towards the end of last year. And, today, “Peru” is on the Billboard Hot 100 at 79!
What Does The Billboard Entry Mean For Fireboy And The Industry?
Well, first of all, it means Fireboy’s name is now with the greats. He did something most artists can only ever dream of—cracking the US market—even though he hasn’t had so much international promotion prior to “Peru.” Now that’s something.
If it says anything about his career trajectory, it only tells us that with the right amount of promotion, Fireboy would do very well. Perhaps he is the Wizkid successor we’ve been looking for all along?
As for the industry, “Peru” entering the Billboard means that, for the first time ever, there is a formula for entering major music markets in the world.
It’s simple; strategic collaboration. Wizkid did it with “Essence” when he brought Justin Bieber on the remix.
CKay was able to crack the Billboard by doing a number of remixes too. And now, Fireboy did a “Peru” remix with Ed Sheeran and in no time, is on the Billboard.
This means artists like Davido and Burna Boy who are achievement starved and need some kind of renewed relevance can easily tap into this newfound formula, do a valid collaboration, and hit the board.
