Is Burna Boy Africa’s Most Influential Musician?

Nigeria’ Burna Boy included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in The World. 

Burna Boy, the afrobeats musician from Nigeria, is the most influential African musician. The Grammy winner is on TIME magazine’s 2024 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. 

Burna Boy’s rise symbolizes more than just musical success; it represents the amplification of African voices on the world stage. With albums like “African Giant,” “Twice as Tall,” “Love, Damini,” and “I Told Them,” he has elevated African music to unprecedented levels of recognition and respect. His recent feats, such as being the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the U.S. (Madison Square) and being the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammys, have led him to this trajectory to greatness. 

TIME’s recognition of Burna Boy is a testament to his musical genius and cultural significance. It also confirms that his influence will continue to grow globally as he stays true to his roots.

Burna Boy’s journey inspires us to pursue our passions authentically and positively impact the world stage. 

Who is Burna Boy?

Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on July 2, 1991, is a renowned Nigerian artist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His breakthrough came in 2012 with the release of “Like to Party,” the standout single from his debut album L.I.F.E (2013). He signed with Atlantic Records in the US in 2017, and internationally with Warner Music Group, Burna Boy launched his third studio album, “Outside,” in 2018.

Burna Boy sings in several languages, including English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin.

Below is a list of Burna Boy’s Awards for Music. 

In 2019, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Awards, was named an Apple Music Up Next artist, and released his fourth studio album, “African Giant,” later that year. He also won Album of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards and was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. 

In 2020, Burna Boy won the Best World Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Award. In 2021, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Award. In 2023, after ranking number 197 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 greatest singers of all time, Burna Boy won his fourth Best International Act at the BET Award. That same year, he also won the Headies Afrobeats Single of the Year category and Song of the Year for “Last Last.”