Faith Nyasuguta
While many of his childhood classmates dreamed of becoming teachers, doctors, or professional athletes, Burna Boy knew exactly where he belonged – under the spotlight. “They’d hand out the papers and the question would be, ‘What do you want to be?’ … I’d write ‘rock star,’” the Afrobeats powerhouse once recalled. When a teacher asked him what rock stars actually did, the young Damini Ogulu didn’t have an answer then – but today, his music and global influence say it all.
Burna Boy, one of Africa’s biggest musical exports and a Grammy-winning artist, has cemented that legacy even further with his highly anticipated new album “No Sign of Weakness,” which was released late Thursday (July 10) via Spaceship Records, Bad Habit and Atlantic Records. Describing the album as a testament to his resilience, Burna said, “It’s really like a celebration of the fact that I’m still here throughout all these years and all the trials and tribulations.”
Following the success of his 2023 Grammy-nominated album “I Told Them…”, Burna Boy has raised the bar yet again. This time, he’s collaborated with some of music’s most iconic names, including Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger, rising country star Shaboozey and hip-hop heavyweight Travis Scott. “I intentionally made sure everyone on this project could comfortably and genuinely say they’re a rock star,” he added.
Africa’s music scene is booming globally and Burna Boy remains at its forefront. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), sub-Saharan Africa was the world’s fastest-growing music region in 2023, with revenue growth in double digits. Artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tyla are not only topping charts but reshaping how the world hears African music – from Afrobeats to Amapiano.
Beyond his new album, Burna Boy’s influence keeps expanding. He’s featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming “F1” movie starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris – another step in bridging African sound with Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
Despite the industry’s rapid growth, Burna Boy hopes unity will power its future. Reflecting on tensions among top male Afrobeats stars, he emphasized the need for collaboration over competition. “We need to figure out how to make our diversities into an advantage instead of a disadvantage,” he urged, echoing a legacy that runs in his family – his grandfather once managed Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
Burna Boy’s world tour has just kicked off, with North American dates set for November. With a unique circular stage design, he promises every fan an unforgettable show – though he admits he’s the one who has the most fun. “When I die, I want to go to a stage in Heaven,” he laughs. For Burna Boy, the spotlight isn’t just a dream – it’s where he lives.
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