Burna Boy Declares Fela Kuti The Only African Artist Greater Than Him

 

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Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, widely known as Burna Boy, has stirred a fresh wave of conversation in the African music scene after boldly claiming that Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti is the only African musician greater than him.

The self-proclaimed “African Giant” made the statement during a recent livestream chat with popular Australian streamer, PlayboyMax. Speaking with his usual confidence, Burna Boy hailed the late Fela Kuti as the ultimate figure in African music history.

“He [Fela Kuti] is the king. He is the only one [African artist] who is greater than me. He is the only one,” Burna Boy asserted during the session.

The comment quickly made rounds online, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While many supporters applauded Burna Boy’s confidence and acknowledgment of Fela’s influence, others viewed the statement as another example of his perceived arrogance.

Fela Kuti, often regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, left an indelible mark on global music with his powerful blend of traditional African rhythms, jazz, and funk. Beyond his sound, Fela’s activism and fearless political commentary made him one of the most influential figures to emerge from the African continent.

Burna Boy has frequently referenced Fela as one of his biggest inspirations, often blending Afrobeat elements into his own music. His Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall and other global hits like Ye and Last Last have established him as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary artists.

Despite the admiration he has expressed for Fela, Burna Boy’s claim that no other African artist is greater than him apart from the Afrobeat icon has fueled debate across social media platforms. Some users agreed that Burna Boy’s international achievements, including sold-out stadium shows and global chart success, place him among the continent’s greatest musicians. Others, however, argued that artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N’Dour, and Wizkid also deserve recognition for their groundbreaking impact.

Regardless of the controversy, Burna Boy’s statement highlights his long-standing ambition to be seen as one of Africa’s defining musical exports. Known for his outspoken nature and bold personality, the singer has never shied away from making daring claims about his place in the industry.

As debates continue to rage online, one thing remains clear — Burna Boy’s admiration for Fela Kuti runs deep, and his latest statement once again cements the late Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy as the undisputed king of African music.

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