When you think of Burna Boy today, you see a global superstar. He’s performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, won a Grammy, and collaborated with artists like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran. But his rise to the top wasn’t always easy. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy’s story is one of persistence, growth, and never giving up on his dream.
Burna Boy was born in Port Harcourt on July 2, 1991. His family wasn’t new to music. His grandfather managed the legendary Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, and his mother, Bose Ogulu, who later became his manager, was always around creative circles. Even though Burna had a musical background, growing up in Port Harcourt presented its own challenges. The city, known for its oil industry, also has a rich cultural heritage, but it was far from the global spotlight that cities like Lagos and Abuja enjoyed. Despite this, Burna Boy found his love for music early on.
As a teenager, Burna was influenced by reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, and American hip-hop. He spent a lot of time listening to artists like DMX, Sizzla, and his biggest influence, Fela Kuti. This diverse range of influences would later shape his sound direction.
After finishing school, Burna Boy moved to Lagos, the epicenter of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In Lagos, he started making a name for himself. His first big break came in 2012 when he released the hit single “Like to Party” from his debut album L.I.F.E.. The song was an instant hit and introduced Burna Boy as a fresh, new voice in the Nigerian music scene. His sound was different—it was Afrobeat but fused with reggae, dancehall, and even hip-hop. It was clear Burna Boy wasn’t trying to be like anyone else. He was carving his own path.
However, success didn’t come overnight. Even though “Like to Party” put him on the map, Burna faced many challenges in the music industry. He had to prove that he wasn’t just another one-hit wonder. Over the next few years, Burna Boy released more music, but he wasn’t getting the recognition he felt he deserved. At times, he felt overlooked in an industry dominated by stars like Wizkid and Davido. But instead of giving up, he doubled down on his craft, constantly evolving his sound.
In 2018, Burna Boy’s career took a major turn. He released his third studio album, Outside, which featured the hit single “Ye.” Funny enough, “Ye” gained even more attention after Kanye West released an album of the same name around the same time. Fans searching for Kanye’s album stumbled upon Burna Boy’s “Ye,” and the song became a huge hit internationally. Burna Boy was now on the radar of the global music scene.
This success was a sign of things to come. Burna Boy followed up with the release of African Giant in 2019, a critically acclaimed album that cemented his place as one of Africa’s biggest stars. The album was packed with hits like “Anybody,” “Gbona,” and “On the Low.” It was clear that Burna Boy had found his voice. He wasn’t just a Nigerian artist anymore—he was representing the whole of Africa. The album reflected that in its lyrics, themes, and sounds. It was a blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and reggae, all while touching on social and political issues in Nigeria and beyond.
African Giant was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Though Burna didn’t win, the nomination alone was a huge milestone. It showed that his music had reached the global stage, and it motivated him to push even harder.
Burna Boy wasn’t satisfied with just a nomination. He went back to work, determined to take things to the next level. In 2020, he released Twice As Tall, an album that would make history. Executive produced by American rap legend Diddy and Burna’s mother, the album was a masterful blend of African rhythms with global sounds. It featured collaborations with international stars like Chris Martin of Coldplay and Stormzy.
The themes on Twice As Tall were bold. Burna Boy sang about resilience, black pride, and the African experience. He used his music to speak out against injustice, particularly in songs like “Monsters You Made,” where he addressed colonialism and oppression.
The hard work paid off. In 2021, Burna Boy won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for Twice As Tall. It was a historic moment, not just for Burna Boy but for African music as a whole. He became only the second Nigerian to win a Grammy, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sikiru Adepoju. For Burna Boy, this win was the validation of years of hard work, determination, and staying true to his unique sound.
Even with all his success, Burna Boy has remained connected to his Nigerian roots. He often talks about how his upbringing in Port Harcourt shaped who he is today. In interviews, Burna has said that winning a Grammy was always part of his plan, but his ultimate goal is to make African music globally respected.
Despite the fame, Burna Boy hasn’t forgotten his roots. His music continues to address important issues, from police brutality in Nigeria to the struggles of African youth. He’s also a strong advocate for African unity and frequently speaks about the importance of Africans coming together to solve their own problems.
Burna Boy’s rise from the streets of Port Harcourt to winning a Grammy is nothing short of inspiring. His journey teaches us the importance of perseverance, staying true to your identity, and pushing through obstacles. Burna Boy’s story isn’t just about fame; it’s about representing Africa on the world stage and proving that African music belongs in the global spotlight.
From his early days as a young artist in Nigeria to his status as a global icon, Burna Boy has shown that with hard work and belief in yourself, anything is possible. His journey is far from over, but one thing is clear—Burna Boy has already made history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of African artists.
