Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML has teamed up with the American production duo Take A Daytrip for their new single Story, as part of the Sprite Limelight session. The track, available on all major streaming platforms, marks Fireboy’s latest release following his 2024 album Adedamola and his earlier 2024 single Everyday, showcasing his continued evolution as a huge force. Take A Daytrip, known for their genre-defying production on hits like Lil Nas X’s Industry Baby and Juice WRLD’s Lucid Dreams, brings a fresh, experimental edge to Fireboy’s Afrobeats sound, creating a deeply personal and universally resonant tune.
Story is a poignant blend of Afrobeats, alt-R&B, and experimental pop, with Fireboy delivering a raw, reflective narrative about heartbreak, healing, and personal growth. The song’s lyrics reveal Fireboy’s vulnerability as he recounts his journey through love and loss. In the pre-chorus, he sings, “I’m on a wave, please don’t kill my vibe, Imma do what I wanna do, it’s my life,” asserting his independence amidst external pressures. The chorus, “Dem man tryna change my story, but shout out to the ones that know me,” underscores his resilience, acknowledging those who truly understand his journey while rejecting attempts to rewrite his narrative. Fireboy’s verse, “Man, I’m 5 years deep, it’s a little change, I don’t even have to speak, cause they know my name,” reflects on his five-year rise since his 2019 breakout with Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, highlighting the grind and pain behind his success.
Take A Daytrip’s production elevates the track with a dynamic soundscape that shifts between ethereal and intense. The beat features gentle shakers, ambient synths, and a saxophone melody that carries the song’s emotional weight, creating a soulful atmosphere that complements Fireboy’s evocative vocals. The duo’s signature touch—seen in their tag “Daytrip took it to 10”—adds a layer of global appeal, blending Afrobeats with alt-R&B and pop elements. Fireboy himself hinted at the track’s intensity in a pre-release statement on Twitter (X), saying, “Come along on the journey to see how I navigate the heat in my life, while still bringing the fire,” crediting Sprite Limelight for the creative opportunity.
Fireboy DML, born Adedamola Adefolahan, has been a leading figure in Afrobeats since his debut, with albums like Apollo (2020) earning an 8.3 rating from Pitchfork and Playboy (2022) hitting No. 123 on the Billboard 200. Take A Daytrip, consisting of David Biral and Denzel Baptiste, brings their Grammy-nominated production expertise to the table, having worked with artists across genres. Story do not only showcases Fireboy’s growth as a storyteller but also positions him as an artist unafraid to experiment, further solidifying his global appeal while staying true to his Nigerian roots. As the track gains traction, it’s clear Story is set to be a defining moment in Fireboy’s 2025 run.
Listen to Story here.
