"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 albumPlayboy (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]
Background
Fireboy 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
Adegboyega 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
The 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]
"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]
