Fireboy DML releases 13-track album ‘ZUKO!’

Nigerian singer, Fireboy DML, has released his fifth studio album, ZUKO!, a 13-track project that reflects a period of personal change and introduces a darker side to his music.

Released on Friday through YBNL Nation and EMPIRE, the album features Nigerian singers Lojay and Judah Earl, Jamaican dancehall artiste Masicka, and South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.

The album opens with “DEAR FATHER”, featuring Judah Earl, followed by “BY FIRE!” and “CLAAT!”, featuring Masicka. Other tracks include “GODDESS”, “C’EST LA VIE”, “IMALI”, “ONE MAN REGIMENT”, “KILOWI”, “ONAZO!”, “S.L.U.T (SEX LOVE UNDERSTANDING TRUST)”, “LIGHT OF DAWN”, “MIMI NAWE” and “FIGHTING”.

In an interview with Sleek Magazine published on 15 October, Fireboy explained that the album’s title came from social media, where rival fans had used Zuko as a nickname to mock him.

Rather than reject the name, the singer said he grew to like it because it reminded him of a passionate and strong character. He eventually adopted it as the identity for his new musical era.

Fireboy also described ZUKO! as a reflection of increased self-awareness and his desire to make changes in his life.

He said the project explores the need to focus on things within one’s control while learning to let go of those that cannot be changed.

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The singer further revealed that the album balances vulnerability with the need to protect his personal life and peace. He admitted that he became emotional while writing the lyrics for the opening track.

The project also introduces anger as a more prominent emotion in his music. Its black, white and red visual theme, alongside his use of darker styling, reflects the change in direction.

Two singles, “CLAAT!” and “IMALI”, offered an early taste of the album. While “CLAAT!” features dancehall artiste Masicka, “IMALI” brings together South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.

ZUKO! follows Fireboy’s previous albums, Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (2019), Apollo (2020), Playboy (2022) and Adedamola (2024).

The new project marks another phase in the singer’s career as he explores different sounds and presents a more guarded, intense side of himself.