Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Fireboy DML has added another accolade to his growing list of international successes. His hit single, Peru, featuring British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, has officially earned diamond certification in France. This milestone further solidifies the song’s global appeal and its role in elevating Nigerian music on the world stage.
Originally released in July 2021, Peru quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The remix with Ed Sheeran, released later that year, propelled the song to new heights, charting in over 20 countries. Notably, it reached No. 53 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100, peaked at No. 2 on the UK Official Singles Chart, and soared to No. 2 on France’s music charts.
The song’s incredible performance across various platforms is evident in its streaming numbers. On Spotify alone, Peru has garnered over 450 million streams. Its impact has also been recognized with a gold certification in Denmark, two-times platinum status in the UK, and a platinum plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). These accomplishments highlight the song’s crossover success and its influence in bringing Afrobeats into the mainstream.
Peru’s success also had significant effects on Fireboy DML’s career. The song earned him a BET Award nomination and gave him the opportunity to perform at the 2022 edition of the awards show. The track’s diamond certification in France places Fireboy among a select group of Nigerian artists who have achieved similar international recognition, including Oxlade’s Kulosa, Ayra Starr’s Rush, Burna Boy’s On The Low, and Rema’s Calm Down.
As Fireboy continues to gain momentum on the global stage, he has released his fourth studio album, Adedamola, which features collaborations with iconic figures such as Lagbaja, Grammy nominee Seun Kuti, Lojay, and Grammy Album of the Year winner Jon Baptiste. The album promises to continue the fusion of traditional African sounds with modern global music trends, further establishing Fireboy as one of Afrobeats’ leading ambassadors.
