"Bandana" is a song by Nigerian singers Fireboy DML and Asake. It was released on 14 July 2022, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, as the fourth and final single off Fireboy DML's third studio album Playboy (2022).[1] The P.Priime-produced single spent seven weeks on the Nigeria Top 100 chart, becoming Fireboy DML's longest-running No. 1 single. It set a record for the biggest jump to No. 1 on the charts, with 4.48 million streams in a single week and a radio reach of 67.7 million.[2]
| "Bandana" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Fireboy DML and Asake | ||||
| from the album Playboy | ||||
| Released | 14 July 2022 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats | |||
| Length | 2:58 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | P.Priime | |||
| Fireboy DML singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Asake singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Bandana" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editFireboy DML revealed that "Bandana" was born out of a collaborative effort during a busy period of touring. In an interview with Ebro, he disclosed that Asake recorded his part on a tour bus. The collaboration was initiated by Olamide, the head of YBNL Nation, who suggested that Fireboy feature Asake on the track. The two artists did not just meet from YBNL Nation, as they had known each other since their undergraduate years at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. Fireboy described Asake as a talented artist with a unique personality, noting that their similar experiences during their university days contributed to their strong collaboration.[3]
Reception
editAdegboyega Adeleye from Vanguard praised "Bandana" as a standout collaboration where Fireboy DML reaffirms his hit-making prowess and Asake delivers a "monster chorus filled with meaning." He highlighted Fireboy's poetic storytelling and Asake's lyrical creativity, noting the song's "ambitious and self-assertive mentality" that showcases their talents. Adeleye concluded that Fireboy and Asake "made magic" with the track, calling it a "firecracker" from YBNL's talent powerhouse.[4]
Music video
editThe music video for "Bandana," directed by filmmaker and cinematographer TG Omori, was released on 17 August 2022. Set in a futuristic world, the video features Fireboy DML leading an army of supporters, blending striking visuals with the song's inspirational themes.[5]
Awards and nominations
edit| Organization | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Headies | 2023 | Best Music Video | Nominated | [6] |
| Headies' Viewer's Choice | ||||
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Afrobeats Video | [7] |
Commercial performance
edit"Bandana" was released on 14 July 2022, as part of the rollout for Fireboy DML's third studio album, Playboy (2022). The song quickly became a commercial success, debuting at No. 66 on the Nigeria Top 100 after being available for just one day in its first tracking week. By the next week, it made a historic leap to No. 1, marking the biggest jump to the top position in the history of the chart.[8][9] In its second week, "Bandana" solidified its position at No. 1, tallying 3.53 million streams (No. 1 on streaming) and 56.9 million in radio reach (No. 1 on radio). The song remained at the top for six or seven weeks, making it Fireboy DML's longest-running No. 1 single in Nigeria, surpassing the four-week reign of his hit "Peru." It also became Asake's longest-running No. 1, overtaking his previous chart-toppers like "Omo Ope," "Sungba," and "Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)."[10] During its run, "Bandana" achieved significant milestones, such as logging 4.48 million streams and a radio reach of 67.7 million in a single week, setting a record as the biggest No. 1 song in the history of the Nigeria Top 100. It fended off competition from major hits like Asake's "Peace Be Unto You," Burna Boy's "For My Hand" featuring Ed Sheeran, and Crayon's "Ijo (Laba Laba)."[11] The song's enduring popularity was fueled by its dominance on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Boomplay, Audiomack, and YouTube, as well as its strong radio presence.[12] Notably, "Bandana" marked Fireboy DML's first No. 1 entry on the chart and Asake's second No. 1 after "Omo Ope."[13]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Afrobeats Singles (OCC)[14] | 3 |
| US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[15] | 8 |
| LyricFind Global (Billboard)[15] | 20 |
| LyricFind U.S. (Billboard)[15] | 21 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (TCSN)[16] | 5× Platinum | 500,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[17] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Personnel
editCredits adapted from liner notes and Apple Music.[18]
- Adedamola Adefolahan – vocals, songwriter
- Ahmed Ololade - vocals, songwriter
- P.Priime - production
- Demetrius Bell - mixing engineer
- Magicsticks - mixing engineer
- Irv Johnson - mastering engineer
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 14 July 2022 |
References
edit- ^ Corcoran, Nina (13 July 2022). "Listen to Fireboy DML's New Song "Bandana"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Oriowo, Ayomide (12 September 2022). "Fireboy DML & Asake's 'Bandana' Spends a Seventh Week at No. 1, Oxlade's 'Ku Lo Sa' Moves to No. 10". TurnTable. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo (2 November 2024). "How Asake recorded his verse on 'Bandana' - Fireboy". P.M. News. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ Adegboyega, Adeleye (15 July 2022). "Music Review: 'Bandana l'ori bi ti 2pac', YBNL Sensations, Fireboy DML & Asake make magic together". Vanguard. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Cho, Regina (12 September 2022). "Fireboy DML leads a revolution in new "Bandana" video". Revolt. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Grein, Paul (28 August 2023). "Burna Boy Leads in 2023 Headies Awards Nominations: Full List (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ Blistein, Jon (8 August 2023). "Taylor Swift, SZA, Doja Cat Lead 2023 MTV VMA Nominations". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 9 August 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ Adegboyega, Adeleye (29 July 2022). "Top 10 Nigeria Music Countdown: Fireboy DML & Asake's 'Bandana' tops list". Vanguard. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Animashaun, Damilola (1 August 2022). "TurnTable Top 100: Asake and Fireboy DML Lead The Charts". The Native. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "Turntable Charts Weekly: "Bandana" Spends a Second Week at No. 1 on the Nigeria Top 100". MoreBranches. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Tigiri, Cynthia (30 August 2022). "TurnTable Top 100: Asake Debuts At No.1 With "Terminator"". The Native. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Oriowo, Ayomide (22 August 2022). "Fireboy DML & Asake's "Bandana" Spends a Fifth Week as the No. 1 Song in Nigeria, Tiwa Savage & Zinoleesky Debuts at No. 8 with "Jaiye Foreign" on the Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel (27 July 2022). "TurnTable Top 100: Fireboy DML & Crayon Dominate This Week's Charts". The Native. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "BANDANA by FIREBOY DML & ASAKE". Official Charts Company.
- ^ a b c "Fireboy DML | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.
- ^ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ "British single certifications – Fireboy DML and Asake – Bandana". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ "Bandana - Song by Fireboy DML & Asake". Apple Music. Retrieved 18 November 2024.