Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Adedamola Adefolahan, widely known as Fireboy DML, has opened up about undergoing sinus surgery that left him fearing for the future of his musical career.

The Afrobeats sensation revealed that he genuinely believed he might permanently lose his voice after undergoing unexpected sinus surgery just ahead of his latest project launch.

“A few days after I recorded ‘Dear Father,’ I had a sinus infection, so I had to get surgery,” he said. “It was crazy, I genuinely thought I was going to lose my voice.”

The experience came shortly after he completed Dear Father, the opening track on his fifth studio album, ZUKO!.

The song, featuring Judah Earl, is a personal appeal to God for guidance and support. Fireboy described it as a prayer in which he asks for help before moving forward with his plans in an interview with The Native.

The surgery scare adds a personal dimension to the song, which introduces the album with themes of faith and vulnerability. His account also highlights the anxiety that can accompany a medical procedure when an artist’s voice is central to his career.

Fireboy rose to prominence in 2019 with Jealous, a song that helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary Afrobeats acts. He has since released projects including Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, Apollo, Playboy and Adedamola.

His music blends Afrobeats, R&B and Afropop, with lyrics exploring love, heartbreak and personal experiences. Over the years, he has built an audience beyond Nigeria, particularly following the international success of Peru, which received a remix featuring British singer Ed Sheeran.

Released through YBNL Nation and EMPIRE, ZUKO! contains 13 tracks and features collaborations with Judah Earl, Lojay, Jamaican dancehall artiste Masicka, and South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.

The album opens with Dear Father, setting a reflective tone before moving into songs that explore other aspects of his musical identity.

The singer’s revelation offers a glimpse into a challenging period surrounding the album’s creation. For an artiste whose career depends heavily on his vocal ability, the possibility of losing his voice would have posed a significant personal and professional concern.

Although Fireboy has spoken about his fear following the surgery, details about the procedure, his recovery period and whether he experienced any lasting complications have not been independently established.

His account nevertheless provides a personal perspective on the uncertainties that can accompany an artist’s creative journey, even as new music reaches audiences.