Burna Boy: Fela Didn’t Inspire Me

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, has refuted allegations that he drew inspiration from Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti.

In a recent discussion with tennis icon Roger Federer, the African Giant hitmaker mentioned that Fela’s albums were among those that shaped his early years, yet he did not find inspiration in them.

Burna Boy clarified that the first album he received was from R&B singer Joe, given to him as a gift for his 10th birthday.

He disclosed that he obtained Fela’s album from his grandfather, Benson Idonjie, who was the first manager of the Afrobeat musician.

Additionally, he noted that Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Tupac’s Makaveli album were also significant in the soundtrack of his youth.

Federer then inquired which of those albums had the most profound effect on him. Burna Boy responded, “Honestly, none,” but he added, “Fela was a big influence on me.”

Burna Boy’s assertion of not being inspired by Fela surprised many, especially since he has incorporated elements of the Afrobeat pioneer in several of his tracks, including popular songs like ‘Ye’, ‘My Money, My Baby’, and ‘Gbona’.

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