Media Team
Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy recently revealed that while Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti significantly influenced his musical journey, he wasn’t directly inspired by the late icon.
The revelation came during an engaging exchange with tennis superstar Roger Federer, where Burna Boy reflected on the albums that shaped his early years.
The “Last Last” singer shared that his first album was an R&B project by Joe, a birthday gift when he turned ten. Later, he received Fela Kuti’s records from his grandfather, Benson Idonjie—Fela’s former manager—adding Afrobeat to his eclectic musical palette.
Burna Boy also highlighted Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli as defining albums from his childhood. However, when Federer asked which record impacted him most, Burna responded, “Honestly, none,” but clarified, “Fela was a big influence on me.”
This statement surprised many fans, given Burna Boy’s frequent sampling of Fela’s work in chart-toppers like ‘Ye,’ ‘My Money, My Baby,’ and ‘Gbona.’ The disconnect between influence and inspiration sparked discussions among followers of African music and beyond.
