Grammy-winning singer Justin Bieber has ignited social media discussions after two viral clips surfaced showing him vibing to Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Fireboy DML’s hit track, “Playboy.”
The Canadian pop star — known for chart-topping singles such as “Peaches” and his acclaimed remix of Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” — shared the first clip on his official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram pages on Saturday.
The footage, reportedly filmed during The League basketball game held in Los Angeles on October 23, captured Bieber playing for his team, SKYLRK, against Nahmias. The viral video featured Fireboy DML’s 2022 anthem “Playboy” playing in the background as Bieber effortlessly sank shots on the court.
A second clip, posted by an online user identified as #AsakyGRN, allegedly showed the singer mouthing the song’s lyrics — notably the line, “Shawty wanna play with a big boy like me.”
Both videos quickly gained traction online, amassing over 90,000 likes and sparking widespread debate among fans. While many applauded Bieber for embracing and promoting Afrobeats, others speculated whether the track was played live at the event or edited into the footage afterward.
One user on X, #jbanj, praised the moment, writing, “Shout out to Fireboy for the background music — ‘Playboy’ never misses.”
The footage also coincided with Bieber’s recent livestream session aired the same weekend, where he discussed themes of faith, hate, and personal growth. Although the viral Fireboy clips were not part of that broadcast, fans drew connections between his positive message and his appreciation for global sounds.
Reactions on Instagram mirrored the enthusiasm, with user #stevoskys commenting, “This is proof Fireboy DML is recognised and respected outside Nigeria.”
Fireboy DML — signed to YBNL Nation and Empire — released “Playboy” as the title track of his third studio album in August 2022. The record, which solidified his international acclaim, continues to stand as one of the defining Afrobeats hits of the decade, further cementing the genre’s global influence.#newsafro_
