Afrobeats singer Fireboy DML has opened up about the culture shock and fear he experienced after relocating to Lagos to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician.
Speaking during a recent livestream, the ‘Vibration’ crooner recalled that his early experiences in the city were frightening, as he was exposed to scenes and situations that were unfamiliar to him.
Fireboy said he witnessed someone running mad and also came across dead bodies on the streets, experiences which left him terrified.
He also recalled being scared by cultists and, more generally, the appearance and mannerisms of some Lagos residents when he first arrived in the city.
“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary. In two weeks, I saw someone run mad, dead bodies and cultists. Now, I also look like those scary people,” he said.
Despite the initial shock, the singer said he refused to abandon his ambitions or return home. Instead, he gradually adapted to the lifestyle and environment of Lagos as he continued pursuing his music career.
Fireboy has since established himself as one of the prominent voices in the Nigerian Afrobeats scene, recording several successful songs and albums since breaking into the mainstream.
Watch video below …
“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary. In two weeks, I saw someone run mad, de@d bodies and cultists. Now i also look like those scary people.🥹”
—Fireboy DML pic.twitter.com/ODUZrqbCI2
— carter🌚 (@carter8f) September 13, 2026