50 Facts About Burna Boy

Early Life and Influences

Burna Boy's journey to global stardom began in Nigeria, where his early experiences shaped his musical style.

1. 01Burna Boy was born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2. 02His father loved dancehall and reggae music, which influenced Burna Boy's musical tastes.
3. 03His grandfather experimented with Afrobeat music, adding another layer to his musical influences.
4. 04At the age of ten, Burna Boy started producing music using FruityLoops, a popular tool for budding producers.

Music Career Beginnings

Burna Boy's early career was marked by hard work and dedication, laying the foundation for his future success.

5. 05He began working on music in Nigeria before moving to London to further his career.
6. 06Burna Boy released two mixtapes, "Burn Notice" and "Burn Identity," which helped build a loyal fanbase.
7. 07His debut studio album, "L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact for Eternity)," was released in 2013.
8. 08The album included hit singles like "Like to Party," "Tonight," and "Run My Race," which received significant airplay.

Rise to Fame

Burna Boy's talent and hard work began to pay off as he gained recognition both locally and internationally.

9. 09"L.I.F.E." sold over 40,000 copies on its first day of release, marking a significant commercial success.
10. 10In 2012, Burna Boy signed with Aristokrat Records, but he left the label in 2014.
11. 11He founded his own record label, Spaceship Entertainment, in February 2015.
12. 12His second studio album, "On a Spaceship," was released on November 25, 2015, featuring hits like "Soke" and "Rizzla."

International Breakthrough

Burna Boy's third studio album, "Outside," marked his breakthrough on the international stage.

13. 13Released in January 2018, "Outside" included global hit singles like "Ye," "Heaven’s Gate," and "Rock Your Body."
14. 14The album won Album Of The Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
15. 15"Outside" helped Burna Boy secure recognition in the international music scene.
16. 16His performance at Coachella in 2019 showcased his electrifying stage presence to a global audience.

Grammy Recognition

Burna Boy's fourth studio album, "African Giant," brought him even more acclaim.

17. 17Released in 2019, "African Giant" was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
18. 18The album won several awards, including Best Album at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
19. 19Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Awards for "African Giant."
20. 20His fifth studio album, "Twice as Tall," was released in 2020 and executive produced by Diddy, Bosede Ogulu, and Burna Boy himself.

Continued Success

Burna Boy's influence continued to grow as he achieved more milestones in his career.

21. 21"Twice as Tall" won the Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
22. 22The album also earned accolades at the MOBO Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards.
23. 23Burna Boy's unique sound blends Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop.
24. 24He has collaborated with international artists such as Stormzy, Sauti Sol, Youssou N'Dour, and Naughty by Nature.

Recent Achievements

Burna Boy's recent accomplishments highlight his continued impact on the global music scene.

25. 25In June 2020, Burna Boy was featured on the remix of South African producer Master KG's viral song "Jerusalema."
26. 26On July 30, 2020, he was featured on British singer Sam Smith's single, "My Oasis."
27. 27His fifth studio album, "Twice as Tall," became his highest-charting project, debuting at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
28. 28Burna Boy won an Edison Award in the World Album category for "African Giant."

Breaking Barriers

Burna Boy continues to break barriers and set new records in the music industry.

29. 29In 2019, he won Best International Act at the BET Awards and was named an Apple Music Up Next artist.
30. 30In 2017, Burna Boy signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and its parent company Warner Music Group.
31. 31His third studio album "Outside," released in 2018, served as his major label debut.
32. 32The album peaked at number seven on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Latest Releases

Burna Boy's recent releases show his versatility and ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.

33. 33In April 2023, Burna Boy released a song titled "Mera Na" featuring Sidhu Moose Wala, paying tribute to Sidhu.
34. 34In June 2023, he released the single "Sittin On Top Of The World," which samples Brandy's 1998 hit single "Top of the World."
35. 35On June 10, 2023, Burna Boy became the first artist from Africa to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi.
36. 36In July 2023, he became the first African artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in the United States, headlining at Citi Field in New York.

Influence and Legacy

Burna Boy's impact on the music industry and his influence on other artists are undeniable.

37. 37Nigerian singer Omah Lay claimed Burna Boy is the best songwriter he has ever seen and an inspiration when it comes to the art of writing.
38. 38Burna Boy has released several studio albums, including "L.I.F.E," "On a Spaceship," "Outside," "African Giant," "Twice as Tall," and "Love, Damini."
39. 39His latest album is "I Told Them…" released in 2023.
40. 40Burna Boy is set to release his next studio album titled "No Sign of Weakness" in 2025.

Awards and Recognition

Burna Boy's talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

41. 41He has received two consecutive nominations for Best Global Music Album at the Grammy Awards.
42. 42Burna Boy won an Edison Award in the World Album category for "African Giant."
43. 43In 2019, he won Best International Act at the BET Awards and was named an Apple Music Up Next artist.
44. 44His third studio album "Outside" peaked at number seven on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Collaborations and Features

Burna Boy's collaborations with other artists have further expanded his reach and influence.

45. 45He has collaborated with international artists such as Stormzy, Sauti Sol, Youssou N'Dour, and Naughty by Nature.
46. 46In April 2023, Burna Boy released a song titled "Mera Na" featuring Sidhu Moose Wala.
47. 47In June 2023, he released the single "Sittin On Top Of The World," which samples Brandy's 1998 hit single "Top of the World."
48. 48On June 10, 2023, Burna Boy became the first artist from Africa to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi.

Breaking Records

Burna Boy's achievements have set new records and broken barriers in the music industry.

49. 49In July 2023, he became the first African artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in the United States, headlining at Citi Field in New York.
50. 50Burna Boy's unique blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Burna Boy's Impact on Global Music

Burna Boy's journey from Port Harcourt to global stardom is nothing short of remarkable. With a unique blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, he's carved out a niche that resonates worldwide. His albums like "African Giant" and "Twice as Tall" have not only topped charts but also earned him prestigious awards, including a Grammy. Burna Boy's influence extends beyond music; he's a voice for political and social issues, inspiring many with his activism. From headlining major international festivals to collaborating with global artists, Burna Boy continues to break barriers and set new standards. His legacy is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the rich cultural heritage he represents. As he gears up for future projects, there's no doubt that Burna Boy will keep pushing the boundaries of music and inspiring the next generation.