From Port Harcourt to the world stage, Burna Boy’s journey to global influence coincides with the continent’s time to shine
There’s just something about him. Fans can’t get enough and international stars are lining up to work with him. He is, after all, the self-titled African Giant. Whether he’s performing Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall riddims, R&B or American-style rap, Burna Boy transcends borders to captivate audiences worldwide. But beyond the beats is a deeper narrative – a passionate commitment to Africa.
Burna Boy is a busy man. He made the 2024 Time 100 List alongside some of the most influential people in the world, and he’s secured a spot in the sought-after
Glastonbury Festival line-up this year alongside fellow Nigerian artist Ayra Starr, as well as headliners Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA and Idles. As if that’s not enough, he’s now also the face of fashion brand G-Star RAW.
After his track ‘City Boys’ was nominated for Best African Music Performance at the Grammys (a brand-new category, which was won by SA’s own Tyla), he said: “I am particularly proud of how my career has encouraged collaborations between African artists across generations.” The king of collabs, working with global sensations like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, WizKid and Beyonce, he knows exactly what he’s talking about.
A humble city boy
Born Damini Ogulu on 2 July 1991 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy’s journey to musical stardom was sparked by the vibrant tapestry of West Africa’s cultural landscape. At just 10 years old, he was already making beats in his bedroom using the digital audio workstation FruityLoops (FL). Meanwhile, Burna’s father was blasting reggae through the sounds of metal grinding, and his grandfather managed legendary Afrobeat king Fela Kuti.
Relocating to London to study, Burna was already familiar with the city after spending summers at his uncle’s house in Brixton, but eventually bailed back to Nigeria to pursue his music career. Similar to Afrofusion, the music he helped birth, is Burna’s sense of purpose: a call to action for African unity, Pan-Africanism and social justice. Clearly he was inspired by Fela Kuti’s social consciousness and activism, and strives to carry out that same ethos.
“I’m grateful for the fact that he [Fela] existed in his time so that we can get an experience of the true organic nature of what he was, the essence of what he stood for and the messages he passed across to us,” he told Daily Post Nigeria.
The ‘Like to Party’ artist dares to be different in an industry criticised for its superficiality. He uses his platforms to amplify the voices of the marginalised with lyrics that are a potent mix of introspection and defiance, tackling issues bigger than popping bottles and the bling life. Still, you can dance to it.
For the people
Not content to simply preach from the pulpit of the stage, Burna rolls up his sleeves and gets to work by supporting initiatives for education, healthcare and economic empowerment in his home country.
Beyond philanthropy, Burna’s impact on the African music scene cannot be overstated. His unique sound, charismatic stage presence and socially conscious lyrics have established him as one of the continent’s most influential musicians. From sold-out concerts to chart-topping albums, his star continues to rise, inspiring millions of fans across the globe.
After the release of his first full-length album, L.I.F.E (Leaving An Impact For Eternity), in 2013, it took five more years and a misunderstanding for him to break out, when his single ‘Ye’ received a spike in searches because of Kanye West’s album of the same name. Both rude-boy and gentleman, Burna took to Twitter to thank Kanye for the assist. “Thank YE!! Numbers up 200%,” he wrote. His fourth album, African Giant (2019), launched him to international prominence with a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. It featured collaborations with international artists like Jorja Smith, Damian Marley and Future, and received widespread acclaim for its fusion of African sounds with contemporary music styles.
Riding on ‘Naija’ (his Nigerian heritage), it shines a light on speaking up: title track ‘African Giant’ reflects the assertion of his independence and self-reliance, the struggles faced by Africans and the need for our voices to be heard. ‘Anybody’, the album’s fifth single, highlights the political and social challenges in Africa that often go unnoticed. The track ‘Another Story’ speaks to the urgency of addressing the injustices faced by Africans, particularly the youth.
Now, with global music-icon status, Burna is betting big on Africa and lending his voice to those who need it most. His artistry acknowledges the struggles of past generations and the importance of ensuring that their stories are not forgotten or erased. In a world fraught with division, Burna Boy stands as a shining example of the power of music to unite, uplift and inspire.
“My music has always been rooted in my desire to tell authentic, unfiltered stories about life in Port Harcourt and everywhere else I have lived,” he told the Financial Times. In 2020 his fifth album, Twice as Tall, went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
Always on form
When G-Star RAW launched its new brand campaign in February, it collaborated with the king of Afrofusion to spread the word on good fashion and music. This comes in the form of a short music video, ‘On Form’.
Shot against the backdrop of London and directed by award-winning Dave Meyers, the black-and-white aesthetic shows Burna Boy’s dance crew stomping in denim that gives instant street cred, and spreading the infectious beat through the city.
“Denim isn’t just fabric, it’s an extension of who I am,” he says. “Like my music, it’s personal, a dialogue between me and myself. Every stitch, every fade tells a story. G-Star gets that. They’re not about following trends; they’re about challenging norms, just like me. Our connection goes beyond fashion – it’s about pushing boundaries and embracing authenticity. So, why not ride the wave with G-Star? It’s a match made in denim heaven.”
Burna Boy’s dance crew rocks the Spring 2024 collection, packed with new styles and durable essentials, but G-Star RAW designed two limited-edition, premium Japanese denim looks just for him: an ultra-long denim military coat combined with a relaxed take on the iconic Elwood, and a hooded sleeveless jacket (opposite) with matching loose jeans. The utilitarian looks are completed with the new leather Benson Lea boots.
His next step? To redefine the global music landscape. “I aim to create music that not only resonates with fans but challenges their perceptions of what African music can be.”
Burna Boy has become a symbol of hope and resilience – a reminder that Africa is a land of creativity and potential. We are the future and the future is now. And with artists like Burna leading the way, the future is going to be fire!
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Words by: Dylan Muhlenburg
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images
