Burna Boy MFR is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
He gained fame in 2012 with the release of “Like to Party,” the lead single from his debut album L.I.F.E (2013).
Early life and Education 
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. His mother, Bose Ogulu, worked as a language translator, while his father, Samuel Ogulu, managed a welding company. His maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, once managed Fela Kuti. Bose Ogulu later became Burna Boy’s manager. Ogulu spent his childhood in Southern Nigeria, where he began creating beats using FL Studio. He attended Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Ogun State, before moving to London, England, for further studies. He pursued media technology at the University of Sussex from 2008 to 2009 and media communications and culture at Oxford Brookes University from 2009 to 2010. Upon returning to Port Harcourt, Burna Boy interned at Rhythm 93.7 FM for a year before launching his music career in Lagos.
Career
Burna Boy’s debut studio album, L.I.F.E, was released on August 12, 2013, following his second mixtape, Burn Identity (2011). The album saw impressive sales of 40,000 copies on its release day, with Aristokrat Records later selling its marketing rights to Uba Pacific for ₦10 million. Preceded by five singles including “Like to Party” and “Tonight,” L.I.F.E was entirely produced by Leriq and featured guest appearances from notable artists like 2face Idibia, M.I Abaga, and Wizkid. Inspired by icons like Fela Kuti and Bob Marley, the album received positive reviews from critics and earned a nomination for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In August 2013, L.I.F.E peaked at number seven on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
In 2014, Burna Boy parted ways with Aristokrat Records and founded his own record label, Spaceship Entertainment, in February 2015. His second studio album, ‘On a Spaceship,’ was released on November 25, 2015, followed by his debut extended play, Redemption, in September 2016, which featured the lead single “Pree Me.”
Between 2018 and 2019, Burna Boy had significant achievements in his career. He was featured on Fall Out Boy’s song “Sunshine Riptide” and released his third studio album, “Outside,” which received critical acclaim and won Album of the Year at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Burna Boy performed at London’s O2 Academy Brixton to a sold-out crowd and was named YouTube’s Artist on the Rise. He also performed at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and won four awards at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. Burna Boy collaborated with DJDS on the EP “Steel & Copper” and won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards. He released his fourth studio album, “African Giant,” which included hit singles like “On the Low” and “Anybody.” Burna Boy headlined the African Giant Returns tour and recorded “My Money, My Baby” for the “Queen & Slim” soundtrack. He was featured on Stormzy’s single “Own It” and became the first Afrobeat artist to sell out the SSE Arena.
Between 2020 and 2022, Burna Boy continued to make waves in the music industry. He performed in the One World: Together at Home special and collaborated with Master KG on the remix of “Jerusalema,” infusing his signature afrobeat style into the song. Burna Boy was also featured on Sam Smith’s single “My Oasis” and released his fifth studio album, “Twice as Tall,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart. The album received critical acclaim and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
He further solidified his international presence by collaborating with Justin Bieber on “Loved by You” and Jon Bellion on “I Feel It.” Burna Boy’s song “Destiny” was even included in the playlist at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration. He continued his winning streak by snagging the Best International Act award at the 2021 BET Awards, making him the first African artist to win the award three consecutive times.
In 2022, Burna Boy was recognized as the “Best Solo Act in the World” by NME. He released his sixth studio album, “Love, Damini,” which was preceded by singles like “Kilometre” and “Last Last.” Burna Boy also made history by holding his first concert in Jamaica at the Jamaica National Stadium on December 18, 2022.
Between 2023 and the present, Burna Boy continued to make significant strides in his career. He released the song “Mera Na” featuring Sidhu Moose Wala, which charted on various international charts including the Billboard Global 200, Canada Hot 100, and New Zealand Hot Singles chart. In June, he released the single “Sittin On Top Of The World,” which sampled Brandy’s hit single “Top of the World” from 1998.
Burna Boy made history by becoming the first artist from Africa to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show by Pepsi in June 2023, captivating an audience of over 700 million people. He also became the first African artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in the United States, performing at Citi Field in New York. Burna Boy received numerous accolades, including being named the top afrobeat artist of the year by Billboard magazine and winning the inaugural Best Afrobeat Award at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.
He received four Grammy nominations, becoming the most nominated Nigerian artist in Grammy history with ten total career nominations. Burna Boy was also recognized as the most streamed Sub-Saharan African artist globally on Spotify for the second consecutive year. The Recording Academy described him as the biggest artist in Africa, and The Nation named him the entertainer of the year for his outstanding achievements.
Burna Boy’s song “Sittin’ on Top of the World” received a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. He performed the song at the ceremony alongside Brandy and 21 Savage.
Personal life
Burna Boy dated British rapper Stefflon Don from 2018 to 2022.
Influence 
Burna Boy’s success has positioned him as a leading figure in Afrobeats, with his Grammy win inspiring other African artists to create projects appealing to global audiences. BBC radio presenter Darren Joseph described him as “an icon among a generation,” while talent manager Kim Moore believes his success will inspire others. Burna Boy has been praised for maintaining his African heritage while appealing to global audiences, with The New York Times highlighting his unmistakably African stamp on music. Rolling Stone hailed him as a Nigerian cultural giant and ambassador of Afrobeats, capable of bridging continents with his music.
Twice As Tall was applauded for its contemporary sound combined with traditional African melodies, positioning African music in the 21st century according to The Guardian. Pitchfork recognized him as one of the most important artists of their first 25 years. Burna Boy’s influence extends beyond music; he was named by BOF as one of the people shaping the global fashion industry in 2023. Vulture noted his stylistic presentation and interpretation of hip hop and dancehall, which garnered him credibility and commercial success in the U.S. Angelique Kidjo dedicated her Grammy win to Burna Boy for changing the global perception of African music. Burna Boy’s mission, as noted by The Guardian, is to reconnect Africans with their roots through Afrobeats.
Political Movements
Burna Boy’s guiding philosophy of Pan-Africanism drives his belief in reconnecting with the African Diaspora and recognizing Africa as the Mother Continent. He advocates for social justice globally, using his music as a platform to address issues affecting Nigeria and beyond. His fourth studio album, “African Giant,” delves into Nigeria’s complex history, critiquing colonialism and societal injustices. Songs like “Another Story” and “Collateral Damage” confront Nigeria’s past while shedding light on present-day struggles. Burna Boy’s stance on social issues is evident in his response to the 2019 Johannesburg riots and his support for victims of the #EndSARS protests through a relief fund. His music, particularly the single “20-10-20,” serves as an active voice against police brutality, corruption, and bad governance in Nigeria, prompting reflection and action not only in Nigeria but also in countries with colonial legacies in the Global South. Burna Boy’s lyrics compel listeners to confront the realities of neo-colonialism and societal injustices, making him a powerful force for change and a representative of young Africa on the global stage.
Controversy 
The incident involving Burna Boy’s armed security escorts allegedly shooting and injuring two people at a nightclub in Lagos on June 8, 2022, sparked controversy. According to reports, the altercation began after a woman declined Burna Boy’s invitation to join him in the VIP section. Subsequently, five security guards linked to Burna Boy were arrested and charged with attempted murder. The victim later accused the singer and his family of attempting to silence her family with hush money. Despite these allegations, as of June 20, 2022, CCTV footage of the incident had not been released by the club.
During his Love, Damini tour in Lagos on January 1, 2023, Burna Boy addressed the rumors, vehemently denying the nightclub shooting incident and dismissing rumors about his mother’s alleged past as a backup dancer for Fela Kuti.
Accolades and Nominations
2013:
– South South Music Awards: South South Music Awards – Won
– Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best New Act of the Year – Won
– The Headies: Next Rated – Nominated
– The Headies: Best R&B Single (“Like to Party”) – Nominated
2014:
– MTV Africa Music Awards: Best New Act – Nominated
– The Headies: Best R&B Single (“Don Gorgon”) – Won
– The Headies: Best R&B/Pop Album (L.I.F.E) – Won
– The Headies: Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year – Won
– The Headies: Album of the Year – Won
2015:
– Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best Pop Artist of the Year – Won
– Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Album of the Year (L.I.F.E) – Won
– MTV Africa Music Awards: Best Collaboration (“All Eyes on Me”) – Won
– All Africa Music Awards: Best African Collaboration – Won
2018:
– African Musik Magazine Awards: Best African DanceHall/Reggae Act – Won
– Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Album of the Year (Outside) – Won
2019:
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: Listener’s Choice (“Ye”) – Won
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: Song of the Year (“Ye”) – Won
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: Best Male MVP – Won
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: African Artiste of the Year – Won
– BET Awards: Best International Act – Won
– The Headies: Artiste of the Year – Won
– The Headies: Song of the Year (“Ye”) – Won
– MTV Europe Music Awards: Best African Act – Won
– Future Awards Africa: Future Award Prize for Music – Won
– African Muzik Magazine Awards: Song of the Year (“Killin’ Dem”) – Won
– All Africa Music Awards: West African Male Artiste of the Year – Won
– All Africa Music Awards: Artiste of the Year in Africa – Won
– Ghana Music Awards: African Artiste of the Year – Won
2020:
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: Song of the Year (“Killin’ Dem”) – Won
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: African Artiste of The Year – Won
– Soundcity MVP Awards Festival: Best Male MVP – Won
– Ghana Music Awards: African Artiste of the Year – Won
– African Musik Magazine Awards: Crossing Boundaries with Music – Won
– African Musik Magazine Awards: Best Collaboration (“Jerusalema” Remix) – Won
2021:
– Grammy Awards: Best Global Music Album (Twice as Tall) – Won
– BET Awards: Best International Act – Won
– Global Music Awards Africa: Artiste of the Year – Won
– BET Awards: Best International Act – Won
2022:
– NME Awards: Best Solo Act – Won
– MOBO Awards: Best African Music Act – Won
– MOBO Awards: Best International Act – Won
– The Headies: Best African Artiste of the year – Won
– The Headies: Best Male Artiste of the year – Won
– Ghana Music Awards UK: African Artiste of the Year – Won
– MTV Europe Music Awards: Best African Act – Won
– American Music Awards: Favorite Afrobeats Artist – Nominated
– African Muzik Magazine Awards: Artist of the Year – Won
2023:
– Grammy Awards: Best Global Music Performance (“Last Last”) – Nominated
– Grammy Awards: Best Global Music Album (Love, Damini) – Nominated
– Soundcity MVP Awards: African Artiste of the Year – Won
– All Africa Music Awards: Artist of the Year – Won
– All Africa Music Awards: Album of the Year (Love, Damini) – Won
– BreakTudo Awards: Global Artist – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Best R&B Single (“For My Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran) – Won
– The Headie Awards: Afrobeats Single of the Year (“Last Last”) – Won
– The Headie Awards: Song of the Year – Won
– The Headie Awards: Album of the Year (Love Damini) – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Best recording of the Year (“Alone”) – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Songwriter Of the Year – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Best Collaboration (“Sungba” remix) – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: African Artist of the Year – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Digital Artist of the Year – Nominated
– The Headie Awards: Male Artiste of the Year – Nominated
– BET Awards: Best International Act – Won
– BET Awards: Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Nominated
– BET Awards: Video Director of the Year – Nominated
– BET Awards: Viewer’s Choice Award (“Last Last”) – Nominated
– iHeartRadio Music Awards: Afrobeats Artist of the Year – Pending
– Billboard Music Awards: Top Afrobeats Artist – Won
– Galaxy Music Awards: Artist of the Year – Won
– Rocklan One radio Music Awards: Afrobeats Artist of the Year – Won
– MTV EMA: Best African Act – Nominated
– MTV EMA: Best Live – Nominated
– MTV EMA: Best Afrobeats (“Last Last”) – Nominated
2024:
– Grammy Awards: Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” featuring 21 Savage) – Nominated
– Grammy Awards: Best Global Music Performance (“Alone”) – Nominated
– Grammy Awards: Best African Music Performance (“City Boys”) – Nominated
– Grammy Awards: Best Global Music Album (I Told Them…) – Nominated
– Brit Awards: International Artist of the Year – Nominated
– iHeartRadio Music Awards: Afrobeats Artist of the Year – Pending
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Hip hop Artist of the Year – Nominated
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Song of the Year (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” featuring 21 Savage) – Nominated
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Best Collaboration of the Year – Nominated
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Best Hip hop Video – Nominated
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Lyricist of the Year – Nominated
– BET Hip Hop Awards: Best live performer – Nominated
– NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Male Artist – Pending
– NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Album (I Told Them…) – Pending
– NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” featuring 21 Savage) – Pending
– NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding
Hip Hop/Rap Song – Pending
– NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding International Song (“City Boys”) – Pending
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 20 million dollars