‘I don’t force vibes,’ Fireboy explains limited features on new album ‘ZUKO!’

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Fireboy DML has opened up about the relatively low number of collaborations on his newly released fifth studio album, ZUKO!, saying planned features simply failed to materialise.

In a recent Q&A discussion shared on social media, Fireboy stated, “It just didn’t work out, I swear to God. And I just felt like that’s how it’s meant to be for this particular project. I genuinely wanted it to be very collaborative but it just didn’t work out. I don’t force vibes.”

He added that scheduling issues and mismatched creative chemistry played a role, noting that some ideas for guest appearances never came together in the studio.

“They just didn’t happen in the first place, along the line it just doesn’t work out schedule something. And me, I’ve already moved on,” he explained.

Fireboy later reflected that the outcome felt intentional for the project, concluding with “C’est la vie.”

ZUKO! arrived on October 16, 2026, via YBNL Nation and EMPIRE.

The 13-track project runs about 40 minutes and features a select group of guests: Nigerian singer Lojay on “GODDESS,” Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka on “CLAAT!,” Judah Earl on the opener “DEAR FATHER,” and South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela on “IMALI.”

The majority of the album consists of solo tracks by Fireboy.

The release follows his 2024 album Adedamola and continues a career that began with the feature-free 2019 debut Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps.

That earlier project remains notable as one of the few major Nigerian debuts without any guest appearances.

ZUKO! blends Afrobeats with dancehall and South African influences while maintaining Fireboy’s signature melodic style.