ONLY FELA IS GREATER THAN ME — BURNA BOY DECLARES
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BY MUNIRAT BALOGUN
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has stirred a wave of reactions online after declaring that only the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is greater than him among African musicians.
The singer, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, made the statement during a recent livestream with Australian influencer, Playboymax, where he confidently rated himself as the second-greatest African artist of all time, behind Fela.
> “He [Fela] is the king. He is the only one who is greater than me. He is the only one,” Burna Boy said during the session.
The remark quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread debate among fans and music lovers. While some praised Burna Boy for his self-assuredness and accomplishments, others criticised him for downplaying the achievements of other African music icons.
Burna Boy has, in recent years, achieved global recognition, making him one of the continent’s most celebrated artists. He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice as Tall, becoming the first Nigerian artist to earn the title in that category.
He has also headlined major international venues, including Madison Square Garden in New York, the O2 Arena in London, and the Paris La Défense Arena in France. His chart-topping hits such as Ye, On The Low, and Last Last have amassed billions of streams across digital platforms, further cementing his status as a global superstar.
Despite his achievements, Burna Boy’s latest claim has reignited conversations about legacy, influence, and the evolution of Afrobeat — a genre pioneered by Fela Kuti, whose music and activism shaped Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape and inspired generations of artists.
Some industry observers argue that Burna Boy’s confidence reflects the growing pride of African musicians breaking global barriers, while others view his statement as dismissive of the diverse talents shaping African music today.
Although Burna Boy has previously acknowledged Fela as a major influence, he has also said that his music is not directly inspired by the Afrobeat pioneer, suggesting a nuanced relationship with his musical heritage.
As reactions continue to pour in, Burna Boy’s assertion has once again positioned him at the centre of conversations about greatness and self-belief in the African music scene.
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