Burna Boy, the Nigerian artist, has achieved international success and recognition in recent years for his unique blend of afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall music. He has also been very vocal about his admiration and inspiration drawn from the legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, who was a pioneer in the afrobeat genre.
Fela Kuti, who passed away in 1997, was known for his political activism and his music, which often criticized the government and addressed social issues in Nigeria. His influence can still be felt in the afrobeats genre, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has often been compared to Fela Kuti, both in terms of his music and his outspokenness on political and social issues. He has spoken publicly about his admiration for Fela Kuti, saying in an interview with The Guardian that “Fela is my inspiration and my muse. He created a genre, his music was timeless.”
Burna Boy has also been known to incorporate Fela Kuti’s music into his own, most notably in his song “Collateral Damage” where he interpolates Fela Kuti’s “Shakara” and “Sorrow Tears and Blood”.
In 2019, Burna Boy released his album “African Giant” which was met with critical acclaim and was even nominated for a Grammy award. The album also features a track titled “Another Story”, which features a sample from Fela Kuti’s “Beasts of No Nation”.
Burna Boy has also received criticism from some who believe he is using Fela Kuti’s legacy to gain popularity and stardom. However, Burna Boy has been quick to defend himself, saying in an interview with Billboard that “It’s not about copying him. It’s about taking what he did and expanding on it.”
Recently, Burna Boy announced that he would be “quitting” music, only to later clarify that he is simply resigning from social media. Nonetheless, the announcement sparked conversation about Burna Boy’s legacy, especially in light of his connection to Fela Kuti.
In conclusion, Burna Boy’s connection to Fela Kuti is undeniable and has undoubtedly influenced his music and his activism. While some may criticize him for using Fela Kuti’s legacy as a way to gain fame, Burna Boy has been vocal about his admiration for Fela and has paid tribute to him through his music. Despite his recent announcement about resigning from music, Burna Boy’s legacy as an artist and his connection to Fela Kuti will continue to be celebrated and analyzed by fans and critics alike.