Fela Was A Big Influence On Me – Burna Boy

Popular singer Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has explained the role that Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti played in shaping his thriving music career. He recently gave fans an intimate look into his influences, personal tastes, and the traditions that influenced the man he is today.

Speaking during an interview with tennis icon Roger Federer on Complex’s GOAT Talk, the Grammy winner revealed that Fela was indeed a big influence on his career.

According to him, however, while Fela‘s records practically shaped his childhood, they did not directly guide his own music as an adult.

Burna stated that he considers Fela’s albums one of the greatest projects of all time, alongside Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, and 2Pac’s Makaveli.

He noted that while Fela Kuti’s music played a formative role in his upbringing, his artistic journey has been guided by his own vision and experiences.

“Honestly, none. I promise you. But, well, Fela was a big influence on me.

First album, I got the Joe album for my 10th birthday gift… I got all Fela albums from my granddad. So every Fela album is a goat album. Lil Wayne’s The Carter III. Tupac’s Makaveli,” he wrote.

The “On The Low” crooner further listed rappers like Tupac, Big Pun, J-Hus, and DMX as artists that inspire him, citing singers like Saeed Osupa, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Freddie Mercury as his GOATs.

Breaking down the origin of his stage name, Burna linked it to a comic-book persona he created as a kid, blessed with fire powers and the ability to fly.

“That’s actually how I got the name Burna Boy, because I wanted to be a character in the comic book,” he continued.

On his favourite meal as a child, he added, “Fried yams and stew with all the meats you can get… Like beef or sausage… When I was a kid, I used to eat yams and sleep off on the bench.”