Burna Boy – The African Giant

You really can’t touch the African Giant, when you think about it. Burnaboy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu is one of Africa’s most celebrated and awarded artiste. 

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, was born on July 2, 1991, in Nigeria.

The singer and songwriter came into the limelight with his first single “Like to Party” in 2012. And ever since then he has been giving us hits back to back.  

In 2017, Burna Boy entered into a record deal with Atlantic Records for distribution in the United States. Internationally, his music would be managed and released by Warner Music Group, the parent company of Atlantic Records.

Burna Boy is primarily associated with a fusion of musical styles that includes Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggae.

Breakdown of Burna Boy’s Musical Styles:

• Afrobeats: This genre combines traditional African music elements with contemporary pop, jazz, and hip-hop influences. Burna Boy’s music often features rhythmic beats and vibrant melodies, characteristic of this genre.
• Dancehall: Originating from Jamaica, dancehall is known for its upbeat tempo and reggae-inspired rhythms. Burna Boy often infuses his tracks with dancehall’s energetic and catchy beats.
• Reggae: With its roots in Jamaican culture, reggae music is recognized for its relaxed rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. Burna Boy’s work often reflects this genre’s influence, offering deeper messages through his music.

Together, these genres form a unique sound that has propelled Burna Boy to international acclaim.

Since 2013, Burnaboy has dropped six albums and two EPs; L.I.F.E (2013), On a Spaceship (2015), Outside (2018), African Giant (2019), Twice as Tall (2020), and Love, Damini(2022). 

The most recent of his projects is Love, Damini. He released this album on his birthday and the album cover features him with a birthday cake as he celebrates clocking 31. 

The song that has been on everyone’s lips from the album is “last last”. This is a song about heartbreak, Burnaboy is telling the story of how he ate “breakfast, how it felt, and his need for “Igbo and shayo”. 

There is no need to explain why everyone loves this song, I mean there isn’t anyone on this earth who never chop breakfast. So last last is a song nearly everyone can relate to. The need for alcohol to numb the pain of the hurt is also a common feeling. 

This song has been played repeatedly by different international and local artists, and at clubs and events. I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t heard this song, it’s been played so many times my ears might bleed if I hear it again. 

I think the line that touches everyone the most is where he says “my eye oh don cry oh, I need igbo and shayo”. Nothing hits better than singing this line and wiping your tears with igbo and shayo. 

Fans have speculated that this song is a result of the breakfast he was served by American singer, Stef London. Now, there is no real proof that Stef is the one who served our African Giant breakfast or if he was even served at all. But one thing is certain, this is Burnaboy’s best song yet. 

The singer even said this is the song he has made the most money from. 

Burnaboy also mentioned that he is paying 60% royalties to Toni Braxton for sampling her song.  

Another popular song from the Love, Damini album is “it’s plenty”. The streets of Twitter, Instagram, and even the trenches are filled with screams of “gbemi trabaye make you no dey shalaye, I don’t want nobody to give my …….” 

Some people might say this is his best album yet, while others would pick Twice As Tall as his best project. This is because TAT is the only album to get nominated and win the highly esteemed Grammy award. 

TAT was nominated as Best Global Music Album for 2021, and it emerged triumphant. Winning Burna Boy his first Grammy. 

Also nominated was his African Giant album in 2020 for Best World Music Category. 

The African Giant also bagged himself another Grammy award in 2022 for Best Global Music Performance” for a song titled “Do yourself,” which he made with Angelique Kidjoe. 

Getting nominated for the Grammys thrice in a row may be downplayed but winning the award twice is a major feat. 

Burnaboy has also won other awards, some of which are:

• South South Music Awards
• Nigeria Entertainment Awards
• Nigeria Entertainment Awards(Best Album of the Year) 
• Soundcity MVP Awards Festival (listeners choice, song of the year, best male MVP, African artiste of the year)
• BET Awards (best international act) 
• In 2023, Burna Boy was celebrated by Rolling Stone by making it onto their prestigious list of the 200 greatest singers of all time, securing the 197th position.

Some of his songs worth special mention asides from Last last are Ye, On the low, Own it, Gbona, Anybody and Odogwu. 

Burnaboy is one artiste who never passes on an opportunity to sell and acknowledge his genius. This is why two of his projects African Giant and Odogwu are filled with praises and adoration for his talent. Some may call this narcissistic, but it doesn’t prevent him from giving himself his accolades. 

He gave himself the title “Odogwu” and to be honest it is well deserved. Burnaboy has stood the test of time. Served us hits back to back and taken Nigerian music to the world. 

A lot of Nigerians may not like him because he is a controversial artiste who has gotten caught up in so much drama over the years. But no one can deny his musical prowess and strength, it is no wonder he calls himself “Odogwu”. 

When searching for Burna Boy’s music, you can explore a variety of external platforms. Here’s where you can find his work:

• Official Website: Start your journey with his official homepage, where you’ll likely find exclusive content and updates.
• Social Media: Follow Burna Boy on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to keep up with his latest news and releases.
• Streaming Services: Hear his tracks on popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Deezer, offering seamless listening experiences.
• Music Databases: Discover detailed discographies and track information on sites like AllMusic and Discogs.
• Video Platforms: Enjoy his music videos on platforms like YouTube, where visual storytelling accompanies his sound.

These platforms provide a comprehensive way to experience Burna Boy’s diverse musical offerings.