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Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has addressed longstanding claims about the influence of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti on his music, emphasizing that while Fela shaped his sound, he did not directly inspire his artistic creations.
In a revealing conversation with tennis superstar Roger Federer, the African Giant shared insights into the albums that formed the soundtrack of his youth and discussed the nuanced distinction between influence and inspiration in his musical journey.
Burna Boy explained that his first exposure to music came in the form of an R&B record by American singer Joe, which he received as a gift for his 10th birthday. This early encounter with music, he said, played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for melody, rhythm, and storytelling in song.
Later, he was introduced to the works of Fela Kuti through his grandfather, Benson Idonjie, who was Fela’s first manager. Burna Boy received copies of Fela’s albums from his grandfather, allowing him to engage with the legendary Afrobeat sound firsthand. He recalled these albums with fondness, acknowledging their cultural and musical significance.
“Fela was a big influence on me,” Burna Boy admitted, highlighting the impact that the Afrobeat legend had on his musical sensibilities. However, he clarified that Fela did not directly inspire him in the sense of being the initial spark behind his own creations. “Honestly, none,” he told Federer when asked which of the albums had the most influence on him personally. “No, but are you serious? I promise you,” he added, emphasizing that while these albums were formative, they did not serve as a direct blueprint for his artistry.
In addition to Fela’s works, Burna Boy pointed to other albums that shaped his musical taste. Among them were Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli, both of which he described as significant influences during his formative years. These albums, alongside Joe’s record and Fela’s collection, created a diverse musical environment that nurtured his development and helped him cultivate a sound that would later earn him international acclaim.
Burna Boy’s clarification may come as a surprise to some fans, given that he has openly sampled Fela Kuti in some of his biggest hits, including Ye, My Money, My Baby, and Gbona. These tracks have become anthems in contemporary Afrobeat, blending traditional rhythms with modern sensibilities and showcasing how Burna Boy has interpreted Fela’s legacy while still charting his own artistic path.
The singer’s remarks highlight an important distinction between influence and inspiration, a nuance often overlooked in discussions about musical lineage. Influence, as Burna Boy explained, refers to the gradual shaping of an artist’s style and approach, whereas inspiration refers to the immediate spark or motivation behind creating a specific piece of work. In his case, Fela Kuti’s music influenced the textures, rhythms, and Afrobeat elements in his songs, but did not directly ignite his decision to start creating music at a young age.
By sharing these insights with Federer, Burna Boy offered fans a more comprehensive understanding of his creative process and the various musical forces that have shaped him. The conversation also underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s influences without oversimplifying or overstating their role in the creative journey.
As one of Africa’s most successful contemporary artists, Burna Boy has consistently blended African rhythms with global sounds, creating a distinctive style that resonates worldwide. His acknowledgment of Fela Kuti as an influence pays homage to the Afrobeat pioneer while asserting his own artistic identity—a balance that reflects both respect for tradition and a commitment to innovation.
Burna Boy’s statement reinforces the idea that while legends like Fela Kuti provide inspiration and cultural context for younger artists, the journey of creation is personal and multifaceted. Burna Boy’s music, shaped by a mix of African and international influences, continues to push boundaries and define what contemporary Afrobeat can be.
Watch him speak below…
Fela was a big Influence on me - Burnaboypic.twitter.com/Th0iV0xyQm
— Yorùbáness (@Yorubaness) September 25, 2025
#BurnaBoy
#FelaKuti
#Afrobeats
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