(Credit: Burna Boy)
Burna Boy’s Grammy win is a landmark moment, spotlighting the powerful rise of African music on the global stage.
The global music landscape has always been a melting pot of diverse cultures and sounds, but the rise of Afrobeats in the past decade has signaled a significant shift in how African music is perceived and appreciated worldwide. At the forefront of this cultural renaissance is Burna Boy, whose Grammy win in 2021 marked not just a personal triumph but a significant achievement for Nigerian music. This victory, which saw him clinch the award for Best Global Music Album, is a testament to the power of perseverance, and the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
Born as Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Burna Boy’s journey to global stardom was anything but straightforward. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in music—his grandfather once managed the legendary Fela Kuti—Burna Boy was exposed to a rich music from an early age.
Burna Boy began making music as a teenager, experimenting with beats and writing songs that reflected his environment and experiences. His debut studio album, ‘L.I.F.E.’ (2013), introduced him to the Nigerian music scene, and hits like ‘Like to Party’ and ‘Yawa Dey’ quickly established him as a rising star. However, it was his 2018 album ‘Outside’ that truly set the stage for his international breakthrough. The album, which featured the global hit ‘Ye,’ resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria’s borders, earning him recognition as a star in the global music industry.
Burna Boy’s music is a blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop, a reflection of his diverse influences. Unlike many artists who might have tailored their sound to fit the global market, Burna Boy remained rooted in his African identity. His music, often delivered in a mix of English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, is rich with social and political commentary, echoing the spirit of Fela Kuti, whom he cites as a major influence.
His fourth studio album, ‘African Giant’ (2019), was pivotal in his career. The album was a bold statement of African pride, with Burna Boy addressing issues like colonialism, African unity, and the continent’s place in the world. ‘African Giant’ received widespread critical acclaim and earned Burna Boy his first Grammy nomination in 2020 for Best World Music Album. Though he did not win, the nomination alone was a significant achievement, highlighting his growing impact on the global stage.
Burna Boy returned with another album ‘Twice as Tall’ in 2020 that would prove to be his magnum opus. Executive produced by American rapper and entrepreneur Diddy, ‘Twice as Tall’ was a seamless blend of African rhythms and global sounds, featuring collaborations with artists from across the world. The album’s themes of resilience, pride, and ambition resonated deeply with listeners, and it was clear that Burna Boy was on a mission to take African music to new heights.
On March 14, 2021, Burna Boy made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for ‘Twice as Tall.’ This win was not just a personal victory for Burna Boy but a watershed moment for Nigerian music and the broader African music industry. It was the first time a Nigerian artist had won a Grammy in a major category for a solo album, and it signaled a growing recognition of African music’s global appeal.
In his acceptance speech, Burna Boy dedicated the award to Africans and Africans in the diaspora, emphasizing that his win was for “every African out there, no matter where you are, no matter what you plan to do, you can achieve it.” His words resonated with millions, especially young Africans who saw in him a symbol of what is possible when one remains true to their roots while striving for global excellence.
The Grammy win also validated Burna Boy’s approach to music—one that blends authenticity with innovation. By staying true to his African identity while embracing global influences, Burna Boy was able to create music that was both culturally rich and universally appealing. This balance is what has set him apart and has made him a trailblazer in the Afrobeats movement.
